Youth StoryLab: News & Storytelling Program For students in 7th–12th grade
When: September 15 – November 12
Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Where: Public Media Network, 359 S Kalamazoo Mall #300, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Cost: $150 (scholarships available for those at or below 150% of the federal poverty level)
Got Something to Say? Let’s Get It On Camera.
Do you have opinions about what’s happening in your school or your city? Are you the friend who always notices the story other people miss? Youth StoryLab: News & Storytelling Program is an after-school media program built for students in grades 7 through 12 who want to explore the world of news, storytelling, and television production, and turn their voice into real, published work.
What You’ll Do
Over eight weeks, you’ll learn how to take an idea and turn it into a story that people actually want to watch. That means hands-on experience in:
- Research & story development — finding an angle worth exploring
- Interviewing — asking the right questions to get real answers
- Scriptwriting — shaping your ideas into a script
- Camera operation — shooting like a pro
- Audio & lighting — the technical craft behind every good story
- Video editing — cutting your footage into a finished piece
- On-camera presentation — learning to be confident in front of the lens
By the end of the program, you’ll have created your own news stories, community reports, interviews, and TV-style segments — all focused on topics that matter to you and your community.
Why Join?
This isn’t about sitting through lectures on media theory. It’s a working newsroom for young storytellers. You’ll be researching, shooting, and editing real stories from week one, building a portfolio of work you can be proud of.
Whether you’re thinking about a future in journalism, film, or media production, or you just want to find your voice and use it, Youth StoryLab gives you the tools and the space to do it.
Program Details
- Program: Youth StoryLab: News & Storytelling Program
- Who: Students in 7th–12th grade
- Dates: September 15 – November 12
- Days & Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00–8:00 P.M.
- Location: Public Media Network, 359 S Kalamazoo Mall #300, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
- Cost: $150
Scholarships Available
Cost shouldn’t stand between a student and their story. Scholarships are available for students and families at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Reach out to Public Media Network for details on how to apply.
Ready to Find Your Story?
Every student has a story worth telling — about their school, their neighborhood, or the issues they care about most. Youth StoryLab will give you the skills, the camera, and the platform to tell it.
Spots are limited. Register today and join us starting September 15.
