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Free Enrollment For Low income & At-Risk Teens
My Story, My Power
My Story, My Power was created to engage, empower, and redirect the purpose of young people in marginalized communities while bridging gaps in social justice through creative expression. The program is rooted in the belief that when young people are given the tools to tell their own stories, they reclaim agency, confidence, and a pathway to opportunity.
Through this initiative, teenagers and young adults in New York—particularly those from underserved and marginalized communities—are trained in the art and power of visual storytelling using video and photography.
Participants acquire professional, industry-relevant skills including videography, video editing, photography, scriptwriting, content development, acting, and interview techniques. These skills are not only creative outlets but practical tools that can meaningfully alter life trajectories.
After-School Program
The after-school program trains three cohorts of teenagers annually. Each cohort participates in a three-month intensive training followed by a one-month internship, during which participants complete their final group productions. The program operates Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with flexible attendance options: full-time (Monday–Friday) or part-time (three days per week). Transportation is provided at no additional cost.
Participants are grouped by age (13–15 and 16–17), and the program runs during the Spring and Fall school semesters. There is also a Summer boot camp cohort.
At the conclusion of each semester, cohort productions are premiered at a community screening attended by families and community members, reinforcing pride, accountability, and visibility.
At-Risk Youth Programs
In addition, three separate cohorts of at-risk youth are trained each year. This includes youth in the foster care system, those aging out of care, and homeless youth. This track operates independently from the after-school program and is delivered at separate times to meet the unique needs of these participants.
Admission into the At-Risk Youth program is strictly by referral.
Reach and Outcomes
A total of 72 participants graduate from the program annually. Each cohort undergoes three months of hands-on training, including on-the-job experience with our in-house production platform, Echoes from the Valley. Upon completion, participants are fully equipped to conceptualize and develop story ideas, operate professional video and photography equipment, and execute high-quality video and photo editing.
All trainings are led by experienced industry professionals who understand the communities we serve and tailor instruction to each participant’s individual strengths and learning pace. To ensure participant safety, all trainers undergo background checks and regular drug testing.
Participants work collaboratively in groups and are paired with mentors who guide them through the process of producing their first original stories. These productions are premiered at community events and broadcast on public access television and social media platforms, amplifying youth voices beyond the classroom.
Mental Health & Wellness Component
An integral part of My Story, My Power is its mental health and self-care curriculum. Once a week, a licensed mental health professional facilitates a non-medical, non-judgmental, and highly interactive session with each cohort.
These sessions create a safe space for participants to reflect, share challenges and victories, and explore personal growth without placing the spotlight on any individual. Yoga and mindfulness practices are incorporated to promote emotional regulation, resilience, and overall well-being.
Long-Term Support & Sustainability
While each cohort runs for a semester (after-school) or three months (at-risk program), participants receive continued support for 12 months after graduation. Graduates retain access to our facilities and are mentored by our team as they develop independent productions and pursue creative or professional opportunities.
A key goal for graduates of the at-risk track is to transition those who demonstrate aptitude and interest into trainer and mentor roles through a “train-the-trainer” model. As the program expands into other parts of Westchester County, employment opportunities will open, with program graduates given first consideration.
Impact
My Story, My Power is designed to achieve the following outcomes:
Engage the teens and young adults: Keep them busy with a field they will hopefully come to love which will help re-channel their focus and keep them off the streets and out of trouble.
Engage youth: Provide structured, meaningful creative engagement that redirects focus, keeps young people off the streets, and reduces exposure to negative influences.
Empower participants: Equip youth with lifelong, marketable skills that can lead to careers in media, arts, and storytelling.
Instill purpose: Help participants discover their creative voice, self-worth, and capacity to contribute positively to society.
Cultivate storytellers for social change: Build a new generation of storytellers from within marginalized communities who can authentically document lived experiences, challenge misrepresentation, and inspire collective action.
Graduates of My Story, My Power become the program’s strongest testimony—role models whose growth and success inspire other young people to see possibility, power, and purpose in their own stories.
