JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — CCS-TV, the media division of Collaborative Children’s Solutions, is proud to announce a transformative partnership with Chautauqua Institution for the 2026 season. Through this landmark initiative, CCS-TV mentors and aspiring student journalists will develop, produce, and broadcast a series of multimedia projects showcasing the world-renowned Institution.
Under the 2026 project, CCS-TV students will create numerous promotional advertisements highlighting the exceptional features, programs, and opportunities available at Chautauqua Institution. In addition, CCS-TV crews will be on-site at Chautauqua Institution throughout the year to produce stories, conduct interviews, and host podcasts that capture the diversity of speakers, performers, and activities taking place during the summer and fall seasons.
“This opportunity is extraordinary,” said Patrick Smeraldo, President of Collaborative Children’s Solutions and CCS-TV. “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that kids from Chautauqua County could have earned an opportunity like this. But with the dedication the crew has shown in regard to their creativity and skills in producing content that earned 1,063,000 views in 2025, nothing surprises me anymore.”
“I am thrilled for the youth of Chautauqua County, our mentors and our partners at Erie News Now, a Division of Lilly Broadcasting,” continued Smeraldo. “CCS-TV has built numerous meaningful collaborative projects within Chautauqua County and having the staff guiding us and reach of ENN this is truly a game changer for the kids”
The collaboration aims to provide real-world experience for CCS-TV students while amplifying the Chautauqua Institution’s mission and reach. Participants will engage in content development, interviewing, journalistic research, field production, editing, broadcasting, and digital storytelling — offering students a rare professional platform that could influence future educational and career pathways in media.
Chautauqua Institution has long been recognized for its global impact on arts, culture, education, and public dialogue and will continue to showcase the magic that the Institution holds worldwide and especially to the residents of Chautauqua County and the entire region.
As someone who spent years working as a journalist, I know how formative early experiences in the field can be,” said Jill McCormnick, Director of Communications at Chautauqua Institution. “Working alongside young people who are eager, ask questions and tell meaningful stories reminds me of why this work matters. CCS-TV’s students bring genuine curiosity and professionalism to their work, and this partnership gives them a real pathway to understand what responsible journalism looks like while helping share Chautauqua’s stories with the wider community.”
Through this partnership, CCS-TV and Collaborative Children’s Solutions continue to advance their mission of empowering local youth through meaningful, skill-building community initiatives.
About Collaborative Children’s Solutions / CCS-TV: Collaborative Children’s Solutions (CCS) is a Jamestown-based organization dedicated to creating unique community opportunities and experiences for youth. CCS-TV, its media division, develops and broadcasts student-driven content in partnership with schools, businesses, nonprofits, and community agencies across Chautauqua County.
Watch CCS-TV on: Roku, YouTube, the CCS-TV Mobile App (iOS & Android) and CCS-TV.com. Stay up to date on upcoming CCS-TV programming on social media by follow @ccstelevision on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
About Chautauqua Institution: Chautauqua Institution, founded in 1874 in southwestern New York, is a 750 – acre nonprofit educational center and lakeside community offering a 9-week summer program of arts, education, lectures, and religion. It is a National Historic Landmark, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually for intellectual and spiritual growth. The 2026 season runs from June 27th – August 30th.
