Youth

Storytelling

Program

Where young people transform lived experiences into stories through writing, film, and media.

Applications Open January 27

Storytelling as Power

Youth don’t just learn storytelling, they use it to explore identity, expression, and meaning through writing, film, and narrative creation.

Youth as Creators

Participants are writers, and producers with full ownership of their stories; not subjects, not case studies, not “participants.”

Reach Real Audiences

Select stories are developed for screenings, digital platforms, and community audiences, not just classrooms.

Turning life experience
into short films
and new possibilities

The Becoming Love Project Youth Storytelling Program is an 8 week storytelling and screenwriting experience beginning in early 2026, designed for young adults ages 18–24 who are ready to claim their voice as creators. The program was originally created to support young people with lived experience in foster care and now welcomes participants navigating other life transitions.

Participants are guided by award-winning writers, filmmakers, and industry professionals as they learn the fundamentals of screenwriting and, more importantly, how to take authorship over stories they’ve never been given space to tell. This isn’t about fixing the past; it’s about shaping meaning, imagination, and possibility through story.

Is this the right program for you?

Whether your story looks back, forward, or somewhere in between, this program offers space to explore it through short film on your terms.

Click Here To Apply

enrollment opens january 2026

Experience the Power
Of Your Story

The inaugural cohort launches in late February 2026 in Gwinnett County, bringing together a small group of emerging storytellers for an intimate, high-touch writing experience. Select scripts will be developed into a collaborative short film, produced by The Becoming Love Project and premiered at Becoming Love Fest in November, placing youth stories on a public stage where they belong.

Along the way, participants become part of the full creative process — from story development to collaboration, public screenings, and festival consideration.

Who This Program Is For

This program is designed for young adults who have experienced more than most and are curious about storytelling, writing, and creative expression, whether or not they’ve ever written a script before.

It’s for those who have stories they’ve never been given space to explore, questions they’re still unpacking, or ideas they’ve always wanted to put on the page. Some participants arrive with clear stories in mind. Others arrive simply knowing they want to write. Both belong here.

No prior experience in screenwriting or filmmaking is required — just an openness to explore your voice and engage in a creative process alongside peers and mentors who take your story seriously.

What You'll Learn

A free, 8-week screenwriting program for young adults ready to tell their story their way.

Screenwriting Fundamentals

Learn the core tools of screenwriting while developing an original short script based on a lived experience.

  • Story structure, character, and dialogue

  • Writing scenes and visual storytelling

  • Turning ideas into a finished script

A Completed Short Script

Every participant leaves with the opportunity to have a ready-to-shoot short screenplay they wrote themselves.

  • Develop one original script

  • Receive mentor feedback

  • Walk away with a polished draft

Mentorship from Creatives

Learn directly from award-winning writers, filmmakers, and industry professionals as you write your story.

  • Weekly guidance and instruction

  • Honest feedback on your work

  • Insight into creative careers

Grounding Tools for Life

Learn practical tools to support focus, creativity, and emotional regulation.

  • How to reset with writing

  • Support without forced disclosure

  • Tools for reflection and focus

Production Exposure

Select participants gain behind-the-scenes access during film production.

  • All students actively participate
  • Our tools encourage creativity
  • Create immersive learning environment

Premiere & Festival Pathway

Select stories are developed into a collaborative short film and shared publicly.

  • Premiere at Becoming Love Fest

  • Opportunity to participate in talkbacks 

  • Youth stories on a public stage

The 8-Week Writing

Experience & Beyond

A guided journey from first idea to finished script — with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.

Story Foundations: Participants explore story while learning the basics of screenwriting.

What We Cover

  • Identity, voice, and personal narrative
  • Introduction to screenwriting fundamentals
  • The Hero’s Journey and 3-act structure

You’ll Leave With

  • One-page personal story
  • Story beat sheet for a short film idea

Character & Voice:Participants deepen their stories by developing characters, emotional truth, and visual voice.

What We Cover

  • Character development and motivation
  • Dialogue, subtext, and visual storytelling
  • Industry-standard formatting tools

You’ll Leave With

  • Character profiles and emotional arcs
  • First 3–5 script pages

Conflict & Completion:Writers build momentum and complete a full draft of their script.

What We Cover

  • Conflict, stakes, and rising action
  • Climax, resolution, and narrative meaning
  • Writing labs and guided work sessions

You’ll Leave With

  • Completed first draft of a short screenplay

Workshop & Professional Feedback: Participants refine their scripts through workshops and mentorship from working creatives.

What We Cover

  • Script workshops and table reads
  • Feedback from writers and filmmakers
  • Revisions and final polish

You’ll Leave With

  • Final revised screenplay
  • Eligibility for short film selection

Pre-Production & Production: Select scripts move into development as a collaborative short film produced by The Becoming Love Project.

What Happens

  • Pre-production planning and script development
  • Opportunities for cohort members to attend touchpoints
  • Shadowing filmmakers during production

Outcome

  • Behind-the-scenes exposure to professional filmmaking

Premiere & Beyond: The completed short film is shared with the public.

What Happens

  • Premiere at Becoming Love Fest
  • Community screening and celebration
  • Festival submissions and continued opportunities

Outcome

  • Youth stories placed on a public stage
  • Recognition of completion of program at the Heart Awards

Who Should Apply

The Becoming Love Project Youth Storytelling Program is designed for young adults who are ready to explore storytelling and screenwriting in a supportive, creative environment.

Eligibility

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

  • Ages 18–24
  • Have lived experience in foster care or other under resourced or transitional life circumstances
  • Live in or have access to Gwinnett County
  • Available to participate in an 8-week in-person writing program
  • Interested in storytelling, writing, or creative expression

No prior experience in screenwriting, filmmaking, or creative writing is required.

Who This Program Is Especially Good For

This program is a strong fit for young adults who:

  • Are curious about writing or storytelling
  • Have stories they’ve never been given space to explore
  • Want to build creative confidence and skills
  • Are open to learning in a group setting
  • Are ready to commit to a structured, supportive experience

You don’t need to know exactly what you want to write yet — just a willingness to show up and try.

Get Notified When Applications Open

Applications open soon. Join the interest list to receive updates and next steps.

Applications for the inaugural cohort of the Becoming Love Project Youth Storytelling Program open soon. This free, 8-week screenwriting experience is designed for young adults ready to explore their voice, build real creative skills, and take their stories seriously, alongside award-winning mentors and peers.

Space is limited to keep the cohort intimate. Joining the interest list is the first step toward being considered.

Asked by Participants

The Youth Storytelling Program is a creative, youth-led initiative that teaches young people how to transform personal experiences into meaningful stories through writing, film, and media. The program centers healing, identity, and empowerment.

The program is designed for youth ages 18-21 who are interested in storytelling, creativity, self-expression, and learning how stories can create impact.

No prior experience is required. Youth at all skill levels are welcome. The program focuses on growth, exploration, and learning, not perfection.

Participants may learn story and script development, creative self-expression, the basics of filmmaking and media production, collaboration and teamwork, and confidence, communication, and leadership.

Participants are never required to share personal or traumatic experiences. Youth choose the stories they want to tell and are supported in a safe, affirming environment.

No. The Youth Storytelling Program is a creative and educational program that supports emotional expression but does not replace therapy or clinical services.

Participants are never required to share personal or traumatic experiences. Youth choose the stories they want to tell and are supported in a safe, affirming environment.

Program format may include in-person, hybrid, or virtual sessions depending on cohort location and partnerships. Specific details will be shared prior to enrollment.

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

Stories are shared only with explicit consent. Youth and guardians approve how and where stories are shared. Some stories may be showcased at screenings, events, or online platforms.

The program runs over multiple weeks. Exact timelines will be shared with accepted participants.

Those who submit interest forms will be notified first.

Educators, organizations, and sponsors interested in partnering should select Partner on the interest form or contact the Becoming Love Project directly.