Toms River, NJ — The Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s (OCVTS) Grunin Performing Arts Academy Audio Engineering Program, through its newly established industry partnership with KEF Audio, a world leader in high-fidelity sound innovation, marks the start of a dynamic collaboration to enhance student learning through immersive audio technology and hands-on professional experience.

On October 16, David Kroll, Vice President of KEF America, visited OCVTS to host the first workshop in the series, focusing on ATMOS Speaker Setup and Dolby Atmos sound design. Students participated in a hands-on session that introduced them to immersive audio concepts, including Pro Logic hearing, speaker positioning, installation, channel placement, and speaker test toning—skills directly tied to careers in the evolving audio, video, and film industries. They also assisted in installing two new Atmos-enabled audio mixing suites within OCVTS’s state-of-the-art, multi-studio recording facility.

The partnership underscores OCVTS’s ongoing commitment to developing strong industry connections that enrich career and technical education. KEF Audio has generously donated over $33,000 worth of KEF Atmos equipment, upgrading OCVTS’s facilities to provide students with access to cutting-edge technologies used in professional sound for video, film, television, and spatial audio production.

In addition, KEF has established a $13,500 Education Scholarship Fund for OCVTS Audio Engineering students over three academic years. These project-based scholarships will recognize excellence in Immersive Audio and Atmos Soundtrack (Audio + Video) projects, directly supporting the district’s mission to prepare students for continued education and success in rapidly evolving audio technology industry.

This partnership also creates pathways for internships, mentorships, and potential career opportunities with KEF, its industry partners, and across the broader music, film, and media production landscape. Students from Full-Time, Shared-Time, and Adult Education Audio Programs, as well as participants in the Film Club and Tech Club, will benefit from the expanded opportunities and resources this collaboration brings.

“We are thrilled to partner with KEF Audio to give our students access to real-world, cutting-edge experiences,” said Willam Bourke, Audio Engineering Instructor. “Through this collaboration, our Audio Engineering students are developing the technical expertise and creative confidence needed to excel in today’s audio and sound engineering environments.”

To celebrate the kickoff workshop, KEF surprised students with apparel and merchandise giveaways, as well as three sets of Nothing Headphones—a newly released product born from KEF’s strategic collaboration with the audio technology company Nothing—awarded to students who demonstrated exceptional engagement and curiosity during the session.

“KEF is excited about our partnership with OCVTS and the chance to connect with the next generation of audio and film makers at the start of their journey,” said David Kroll, Vice President of KEF America. “The high level of interest and engagement from the students during the workshop is a testament to the dedication and caliber of those enrolled in the Audio Engineering Program.”

The OCVTS Audio Engineering Program continues to lead in providing students with innovative, hands-on experiences that align with industry trends—ensuring graduates remain current with evolving technologies and are well-prepared for future careers in the audio engineering industry.




About Ocean County Vocational Technical School
Ocean County Vocational Technical School provides an intensive and immersive educational experience aligned with the current and emerging demands of business, industry, and advanced education. We instill the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for students to experience success in entering the workforce, advancing along a career pathway, and achieving career aspirations. Please visit www.ocvts.org to learn more.