July 13, 2026 – July 31, 2026
Make Media That Matters.
Have something you care about?
A story you think people should hear?
An issue that affects your school or community?
In Youth StoryLab, you’ll turn your ideas into a powerful short film — and premiere it for the community. This isn’t about watching videos.
It’s about creating one.
Program Details
Dates: Monday – Friday, July 13 – July 31, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Douglass Community Association
Grades: 5th – 9th
Capacity: Limited to 10 participants
Screening: July 31st, 3:00 pm
What You’ll Do
Over 3 weeks, each participant will develop and produce their own 6–8 minute short film focused on a real topic that matters to them — something happening in their school, neighborhood, or community.
You’ll learn how to:
-
- Film using professional production equipment
- Conduct thoughtful interviews
- Shape stories people actually want to watch
- Edit using industry-level software
- Turn raw footage into a finished film
You’ll work independently on your own project with guidance from instructors and support from a small creative cohort.
By the end of the program, you’ll walk away with a completed short film you can include in a portfolio, share with others, or use for college and career opportunities.
What Makes It Different
Youth StoryLab isn’t about quick posts or scrolling past important topics.
It’s about slowing down, digging deeper, and creating something meaningful.
Participants learn how to:
-
- Explore real issues in thoughtful ways
- Talk with community members and local leaders
- Ask strong questions
- Think critically about the media they consume and create
- Share stories that spark conversation
This is storytelling with purpose — built for today’s world.
More Than Just a Summer Camp
The program meets for 3 weeks, but serious creators can go further.
Participants may schedule additional supervised lab time during the week to:
-
- Continue editing
- Check out equipment
- Refine interviews
- Get extra production support
Youth StoryLab functions like a creative studio — not just a weekly class.
Community Premiere
The program concludes with a public screening event, where students premiere their films for family, friends, and community members — followed by a live Q&A and discussion.
It’s a celebration of their work and a chance to see how their voice contributes to the larger community conversation.
No Experience Needed
No prior filmmaking experience is required — just curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn.
For Parents
Youth StoryLab helps students build:
-
- Confidence and communication skills
- Critical thinking and media literacy
- Project management and follow-through
- Interview and research skills
- Technical production experience
- Leadership and collaboration abilities
Students work in a structured, supportive environment with professional guidance and clear milestones throughout the 13-week program.
Class size is intentionally limited to ensure individualized attention.
Spaces are limited. Secure your student’s spot today.
Have questions?
Contact our team
✉️ hello@publicmedianet.org
