Workforce Solutions & Continuing Education

HCC Discovery Academy instructor receives award from UCLA

HCC Discovery Academy instructor, Don Thompson, recently received the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program Distinguished Mentor Award from the University of California Los Angeles.

Each year, The UCLA Alumni Mentor Program selects distinguished alumni mentors from an exceptional group of nominees, based on testimonials from their membership partners for going above and beyond during the program year, exemplifying the spirit of achievement, service, and gratitude.

"I was happy to receive the award from UCLA. It has been great working with all of my mentees there, and I feel I was able to pass along some good advice to them,” said Don Thompson, HCC Discovery Academy instructor. “I look forward to working with Discovery Academy students this summer at HCC and mentoring them the same way I mentored students at UCLA.”

Thompson will teach “The Art of Filmmaking” and “Introduction to Playwriting” this summer at HCC’s Discovery Academy. He is an award-winning playwright, filmmaker, and screenwriter who has produced two plays with the Maryland Ensemble Theater. He also mentors students at his alma-mater, UCLA, and locally in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

HCC’s Discovery Academy offers week-long programs for high school students in grades nine through 12, in areas including medicine, art, communications, engineering, technology, and more.

“Youth Programming provides students with high-quality classes, substantial exposure to their field of interest, and immeasurable networking opportunities with experts within the field,” said Lori Kendall, HCC Youth Programs Manager.

To apply or register for HCC’s Discovery Academy programs, visit www.hagerstowncc.edu/discovery-academy. For more information, contact Lori Kendall at lmkendall2@hagerstowncc.edu.

(June 9, 2023)