March 31, 2026
March 31, 2026 -- Peru, IL -- The LaSalle-Peru Area Career Center has announced a new partnership with reelCreative to produce high-quality photo and video content showcasing all 12 of the Center’s career and technical education programs.
Filming began this semester and will continue throughout the year, with the first media releases scheduled for later this year. The initiative is designed to provide regional school counselors, families, and community members with a clearer understanding of the hands-on opportunities available to students and the career pathways those programs support.
The new media assets will be used across digital platforms, presentations, and outreach efforts to better communicate the real-world skills students are developing, from skilled trades and healthcare to technology and other in-demand fields.
“This partnership is about giving our programs the visibility they deserve,” said Shane Lange, Director of Area Career Center. “Our students are gaining meaningful, career-ready skills every day. By investing in professional photo and video storytelling, we’re making it easier for counselors, families, and the broader community to see the value of career and technical education and the opportunities available right here in our region.”
The collaboration also carries local significance. reelCreative Co-Founders Kyle Petersen and Matthew Klein are alumni of LaSalle-Peru High School, a longtime partner and host district of the Area Career Center.
“For us, this project is personal,” said Kyle Petersen, Co-Founder of reelCreative. “We both grew up in this community, and we understand how important programs like the Area Career Center are for students who want hands-on experience. This initiative is about showcasing the quality of instruction happening here and helping the next generation see what’s possible.”
Beyond recruitment, the effort reflects a broader investment in workforce development across the Illinois Valley region. By clearly communicating the strength of its programs, the LaSalle-Peru Area Career Center aims to support regional employers, strengthen career pipelines, and encourage students to pursue meaningful opportunities close to home.
As the project unfolds, additional media releases highlighting individual programs and student experiences will be shared throughout the year.
The LaSalle-Peru Area Career Center serves students from multiple regional school districts, providing hands-on career and technical education programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment, apprenticeships, or continued post-secondary education. The Center partners with surrounding districts to equip students with practical skills aligned with regional workforce needs.
reelCreative is an Illinois-based creative media agency creating story-driven video and photography for brands, destinations, and organizations. The agency crafts visuals that stand out in crowded spaces and create real connection.
Known for thoughtful storytelling and high production standards, reelCreative’s work has appeared in statewide and national campaigns across broadcast, digital, and out-of-home platforms, including Times Square and HBO Max. Rooted in the Midwest and working wherever the story leads, reelCreative believes strong stories travel and deserve to be seen.