YOUTH STORYTELLING PROGRAM

Apply for 2027

Turn lived experience into story, and shape that story into something real.

PRIORITY DEADLINE · DEC 1, 2026FINAL DEADLINE · JAN 8, 2027

START YOUR APPLICATION READ THE FAQ

18 TO 26

Ages

FREE

No cost to join

HYBRID

In person and virtual

12

Weeks in Phase One

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Thank you for your interest in our storytelling program

We’re so glad you’re here. You’re about to apply for the 2027 Youth Storytelling and Filmmaking Program, a hybrid program for young adults ages 18 to 26 from underrepresented communities who want to turn lived experience into story and shape that story into something real.

The program happens in two phases. Phase One is 12 weeks, with a combination of in-person sessions and virtual learning. Together, we will write, reflect, and learn the foundations of screenwriting, and each participant will work toward completing their own short script. Every journey will look different, but the work is shared.

Participants who successfully complete Phase One will be invited to continue into Phase Two, where select work may move toward collaborative production, public screenings, and other opportunities to share stories with real audiences.

What we look for

  • ♥Time to fully commit, including required in-person sessions
  • ♥A willingness to write, listen, reflect, and participate with care
  • ♥Curiosity about storytelling. No writing or filmmaking experience needed

GOOD TO KNOW

Showing up matters. The work builds week to week, and your presence is part of the process. Space is limited, so we prioritize applicants who can fully commit.

Selected applicants will be invited to a brief interview before final acceptance.

YOUR APPLICATION

Tell us about you

Answer each question thoughtfully and in your own words. There are no right or wrong answers, and you never have to share anything you are not comfortable sharing.

Tell us about yourself

Please complete all the questions in this section to help determine eligibility

First Name
Last Name
Preferred Name
Email Address
Phone Number
Date of Birth
Gender
Pronouns
Street Address & City
Zip Code
County

Race
Note: Becoming Love Project is required to report percentages of the populations we serve. Please let us know what race you most identify with for reporting purposes. Your personal information will remain confidential.

Are you currently navigating housing instability or a major life transition (such as school, work, a move, or family changes)?
How did you hear about this program?
Were you referred to this program by an agency or organization?
Please share the name of the person, organization or institution that referred you.

Readiness and Commitment

We are looking for committed creators ready to tell their story

Phase One is 12 weeks of hybrid learning, with a combination of in-person sessions and virtual learning. Some in-person sessions are required. Are you able to commit to all 12 weeks?
Are you able to attend required in-person sessions in the metro Atlanta area?
How do you typically get around, and do you have reliable and consistent transportation?
Are there any other scheduling, transportation, or time-related challenges we should be aware of?
Do you have any food allergies or dietary limitations? If so, please describe.
Do you require any special assistance or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability? If so, please describe.
Social media handle(s)
What is your t-shirt size?
Emergency Contact Name
Emergency Contact Relationship
Emergency Contact Email Address
Emergency Contact Phone Number
Are you currently enrolled in school?
Are you currently employed?
This program includes reflective writing and group discussion. Are you comfortable participating in this kind of process?
Do you fully commit to communicating with your facilitators, mentors and program leaders throughout the program (e.g. voicing concerns, sharing if schedule changes, equipment needs)?

Skills and Assessment

These questions help us understand access and support needs. Your answers will not disqualify you.

Do you have regular access to a computer (laptop or desktop) that you can use for writing and program-related work?
Do you have regular internet access for virtual sessions and program work?
Are you comfortable typing documents, saving files, and using email or Google Docs?
Have you done any form of personal, creative, or school-related writing before?
(Optional) If you answered “No” to any of the questions above, is there anything you’d like us to know about your access or support needs?

Future Career and Goals

Tell us a little bit about who you are

Where do you see yourself in five years?
What is a personal goal you hope our program and staff can help you accomplish?
In a few sentences, share a story, idea, or theme you feel drawn to explore through writing or film if selected for this program. (This does not need to be personal or traumatic.)
(Optional) What is something you want to believe about yourself or your future?
What are you hoping to learn, explore, or gain by participating?
Tell us about your creative experience.
Optional: Share a writing sample, video, or creative work
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Consent and Next Steps

Almost done! Please sign off.

Please consent to the following before submitting your application:
AFTER YOU APPLY

What happens next

1

Apply by the deadline

Submit by December 1, 2026 for priority review, or by January 8, 2027 at the latest.

2

Brief interview

Selected applicants are invited to a short conversation with our team.

3

Join the cohort

Accepted participants receive their welcome and start writing what comes next.

ASKED BY PARTICIPANTS

Your questions, answered

A creative program that teaches young adults how to turn lived experience into meaningful stories through writing, film, and media, while building voice, confidence, and real creative skills.

Young adults ages 18 to 26 from underrepresented communities who are interested in storytelling, creativity, and self-expression.

No experience is required. Writers at every skill level are welcome. The program focuses on growth, exploration, and learning, not perfection.

Story and script development, the basics of filmmaking and media production, collaboration and teamwork, and confidence, communication, and leadership.

You are never required to share personal or painful experiences. You choose the stories you want to tell, and you are supported in a safe, affirming space.

No. This is a creative and educational program. It supports expression and growth, but it does not replace therapy or clinical services.

The program is hybrid, with required in-person sessions in Metro Atlanta plus virtual learning. Specific details are shared before enrollment.

No. There is no cost to participate. Becoming Love Project is committed to accessibility and equity.

Stories are shared only with your explicit consent. You approve how and where your work is shared, which may include screenings, events, or online platforms.

Phase One runs 12 weeks. Participants who complete Phase One are invited to continue into Phase Two. Exact dates are shared with accepted participants.

The priority deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM. The final deadline is Friday, January 8, 2027 at 11:59 PM.

Educators, organizations, and sponsors can visit our Sponsor and Partner page or contact Becoming Love Project directly.

Your story starts here

Not ready to apply yet? Join the interest list and we will keep you posted. Questions? Email programs@becomingloveproject.org.

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