The Digital Media Training Program (DMTP) began in 2013 and is directed by Melvin McCray. It has trained over 300 students in photography, 3D animation, video production, and journalism. It operates under the auspices of Board for the Education of People of African Ancestry (BEPAA), a non-profit organization based in the John Henrik Clarke House at 286 Convent Avenue in Harlem. BEPAA was founded in 1992 by a group of educators, community activists, and religious leaders to advance the educational prospects of African Americans living in New York City. One of the founders is Dr. Adelaide Sanford, former Vice-Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents.
Over the last six years the DMTP has received nearly $200,000 in grants from the West Harlem Development Corporation (WHDC) through a Community Benefits Agreement between Columbia University and Manhattan Community Board 9. It has trained over 300 West Harlem residents and among the winners of the White House Student Film Festival in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
