DOWNEY – A new social media marketing class is preparing to launch this spring, where participants will learn marketing fundamentals and the tactical skills needed to execute effective social media marketing campaigns. 

The 10-week DowneyMade Social Media Marketing program will be led by the Crawford Group, a local design and marketing agency, in partnership with Downey Unified School District. 
Students will be introduced to possible career pathways in digital marketing and also to concepts that will enable them become 21st century workforce ready. 

“How our program works is that we work with employers to identify someone within their staff looking to obtain further technical training in social media marketing,” said Program Director Valentin Flores. “Our 10-week program is to give local small businesses the foundation they need to become more effective digital marketers.”

Specific items participants will learn include: 
► Digital marketing strategy and digital marketing channels
► Analytics, data and reporting
► Content strategy and content development
► Paid social and lead generation

“The main reason that attracted me to get involved in DowneyMade’s Social Medial Marketing program was the empowerment – being able to share what I’ve learned over the years and pass that knowledge down to local small business owners who normally wouldn’t have budgets to learn,” said Lala Castro, the program’s instructor. 

Students may also benefit from the course by potentially discovering a new career, Castro added. 

“Careers in anything digital or technology is growing quickly and there aren’t enough programs currently in our community that are preparing them for the new ways to conduct business,” she said. “This program constitutes nothing less than a new model for vocational education.” 

Castro works as a digital marketing consultant with past clients including Knott’s Berry Farm, Northgate Markets, Toshiba USA/Latin America. 

According to Curriculum Director Barney Santos, small- and medium-sized businesses in particular need to adapt “to this new, fast-changing, digital marketplace.” 

“Their need for a highly-trained workforce with the most up-to-date digital skills has increased significantly, Santos said. “This course was designed intentionally to bridge this gap and help employers connect with the employees they need to stay in business.” 

The 10-week class runs April 4 through June 13 and will meet Wednesdays from 6-8:45 p.m. at Downey High School. Scholarships will offset all program fees for the first 25 students accepted into the program. 

Student interviews will take place March 20-23 and March 27-30. To apply, fill out an interest form online at downeymade.org/socialmediaprogram. 

For additional questions, email hello@downeymade.org.