Balay Kreative is excited to unveil its newest Youth Podcast Scholarship Program, “Unsung Heroes: Stories of Bay Area Changemakers.” Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to attend a summer series of 8 creative storytelling & podcast workshops, learn editing software, and produce their own 45 minute podcast episode. At the end of the summer program, THREE students will be selected by a panel of industry professionals to have their episode published on the Cultural Kultivators podcast in Fall 2024.

Through this program, participants will gain the skills and confidence to tell their stories and share their perspectives with the world. We are pleased to offer a scholarship specifically for this program, valued at $6,000. This scholarship covers the full cost of participation, ensuring that recipients can fully benefit from the program’s offerings without financial barriers. 10 to 15 students will be chosen to participate in this program with all fees covered.

Workshop Topics

These workshops will teach students interviewing skills, the importance of storytelling, documenting oral history, and how to start a podcast.  The summer series of workshops will end with a culminating event in the Fall where students will present part of their work as a celebration of Bay Area changemakers and trailblazers.

“Unsung Heroes” is a BIPOC youth-focused podcast project that tells the stories of inspiring individuals and their achievements. Each episode features different guests who share their personal journey, challenges they have faced, and advice for young creatives. We aim to showcase the diversity and strength of our community, and to provide role models for young listeners. You, the hosts, will bring a fresh and relatable perspective to the conversations. 

Participants must be able to commit to all eight of the regular meetings/workshops for the duration of the podcast program.

Starting Wednesday, June 12th, 2024, workshops will be held remotely every Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2024 ARE NOW CLOSED

Qualifications

• Must be a current high school student and enrolled in a high school within the San Francisco Bay Area

• Must be currently enrolled in high school (grades 9-12) for the 2024 school year

• As a BIPOC focused program, we highly encourage Black, Indigenous, and students of color to apply. You do not have to be Filipinx-American to apply. 

• Must have an interest in storytelling, podcasting, and/or the Filipino American experience.

• Have access to 2 smartphones and a computer compatible with Descript software.

Some perks of the new “Unsung Heroes” youth podcast program may include:

• Opportunities to learn about podcasting and audio production from experts in the field.

• The chance to have their voice and experiences heard by a wider audience.

• The opportunity to develop and showcase their storytelling and communication skills.

• The opportunity to be mentored by experienced artists and creatives.

• The chance to gain valuable experience in storytelling, journalism, and public speaking.

• The possibility to have their work featured on the Cultural Kultivators podcast and promoted to a wider audience.

• The chance to contribute to the conversation about important issues facing youth today.

• The opportunity to connect with other youth and build a sense of community

• Exposure and recognition for their work through the podcast and associated marketing and promotional materials.

• The chance to be a part of a project that highlights and celebrates the diverse and rich history of Filipino Americans & the greater BIPOC community. 

• At the end of the 8 class program and after completing their final podcast episodes, THREE students who are chosen to publish their episodes will receive a producers’ stipend for their participation and their podcast interview will be featured on the Cultural Kultivators podcast.

• Selected students will also receive a letter of recommendation from Balay Kreative’s Program Manager for their college applications.

Meet our 2024 Summer Cohort!