Impact of SPNN

You can hear from our community why SPNN is important and the impact we have on the community.

Become a participant, volunteer, partner, or donor today!

Has three photos. The far left one is of two people behind a computer monitor. The middle photo is of two people teaching how to edit on a Macintosh, the third photo is of a woman behind a studio camera. on the bottom it says Teach digital literacy skills, learn media making, create media on your own or with our team, watch our channels.

SPNN is a community media and technology center that provides the tools and training for youth, adults, and nonprofits to use media and technology to tell stories and gain job skills.  There are many ways you can be involved with SPNN- Find the way that is right for you!

Teaching Digital Literacy- Do you want to give back to your community, gain professional development and teaching skills, and want to help individuals learn skills to gain better employment? Become a CTEP AmeriCorps member. There are full time, three quarters time, and half time positions available, 19 different nonprofits you can become a part of and you receive a living stipend and education award. Find our more!

Learn Media skills- Want to gain or grow media skills, have access to cameras, editing computers, and a studio, and become a part of a network of media producers? You can join as a producer member  to work on your content at your own pace or apply for one of our documentary programs to learn in a cohort of other media makers.

Partner with our team- If your non profit is looking to have a video made for your gala or website talking about the work you do or partner on a production to benefit the community you can hire SPNN's professional production team to work with you.  

Watch our channels- Watch local football and baseball games, graduations, local documentaries, music, and more on our channels. Check out our schedule and watch on Comcast in Saint Paul. 

Plan Your Event At SPNN

Whether you are looking for a vibrant community space for your fundraising event, a meeting room for your painting class, or a production space for your next video- SPNN is here to help.  Find out more!

SPNN is Recruiting

  • A photo of the CTEP Cohort from 2023 with a sign that says Happy AmeriCorps Week.

    CTEP AmeriCorps Member

    "not knowing your way around a computer shuts you out of so many things. I'm so grateful that I got the chance to help change that"- Grace, CETP member '23-'24.

    Benefits

    • Monthly stipend- up to $1,935
    • Paid health insurance*
    • Education Award- up to $7,395
    • Professional Training

    *terms apply

Celebrating 40 Years!

  • a photo of the gathering in the annual meeting. Close up of Za'Nia with soft focus of the rest of the audience.

    Share Your SPNN Stories

    For our 40th anniversary we are collecting stories of the impact SPNN has had over the years.

    If you have a story, we'd love to hear from you. Between now and our official anniversary, October 31 we want to share your stories on social media and our website.

  • a photo from SPNN's annual celebration. On the left is Bianca Rhodes in the center is Georgia Fort and to the right is Abdi Mohamed. They are standing talking in the SPNN gallery.

    Sustaining Donor

    Empower. Inspire. Connect. Supporting SPNN is an investment in the fabric of our community. 

    Benefits of recurring donations:

    For SPNN-Regular, reliable donations income makes it easier for us to budget and plan.

    For You- you contribute to the longevity of SPNN, ensuring SPNN is around for the next 40 years providing digital and media skills to the community. 

    Thank you for however you give; whether in time, talents, or money.

  • a still frame from the video. It is a shot of a parade.

    Across the Decades

    We are celebrating 40 years of SPNN by interviewing people who have helped make SPNN. Each video will feature a voice from each decade. 

    In this first installment we talked with;

    • Neal Gosman, SPNN's first Executive Director. 
    • Jaquie Maddix, one of SPNN's first members
    • Joanna Kohler, teaching artist
    • Tommy Franklin, documentarian and a part of of New Angle Fellows. 

    Take a trip down memory lane!

Highlighted Media

SPNN has a podcast that talks with local artists, several television shows and one of productions created by our production team, media produced by youth and program participants. Below is a sampling of some of our most recent work. 

  • A white Background with Black lettering that says The Friends Minnesota Book Awards. Gold bar with black letters says May 7th Ceremony.

    MN Book Awards

    A celebration of the state’s best books, the 36th annual Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony, is presented by the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, and sponsored by Education Minnesota. Readers, writers, and booklovers from across Minnesota are invited to gather and celebrate the stories of Minnesotans that inspire and connect us. Awards are presented to winners in nine categories and to the recipient of the Book Artist, Hognander Minnesota History, and Kay Sexton awards, with special guests.

  • white background with SPNN in green at the top of the image and Forum in gold at the bottom of the image with the blue and red speech bubbles above the forum

    SPNN Forum

    Host Anahita Champion talks with the Life Coach Latoya Anderson of Purpose for Living, LLC!

  • Blue thick line with white text says Disability stacked on top of a green line that has Viewpoints in white,.

    Disability Viewpoints

    Host Joan Willshire talks with Jessica Froehlich and Kisa Hanson of Unlabeled Theatre Company, about their unique approach to involving people with disabilities as performers, and their upcoming production of "Rock of Ages" at Park Square Theater.

    Host Mark Hughes talks with Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson of the ARC of MN, about new Legislation aimed at fighting Ableism. Mark and Host Joan Willshire meet the Star Tribune's new Social Services Reporter, Jessie Van Berkel.

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