Program

The Youth Documentary Academy provides intensive media and documentary film training to high school students in under-served  and under-represented communities of Colorado Springs. For ten weeks, students between the ages of 14 and 18 learn all aspects of documentary filmmaking from pre-production, shooting, editing and distribution. Students also learn how to mentor younger students.In addition to developing technical proficiency in digital media through lectures, exercises and workshops, students also direct and produce their own documentaries, learning how to locate themes from their lived experiences and transpose those personal and family narratives into documentary films.  Students spend an additional year learning how to distribute their films to local schools, libraries, film festivals, and public television. They also help organize community screenings and engage with the public through traditional and social media. 

Since 2022, YDA films have broadcast nationally on a public television series, OUR TIME, distributed by American Public Television. Films from the series are also curated by students and community organizations to provide professionally moderated film festivals in high schools across Colorado. “Youth Media Matters,” YDA’s educational arm, has become a go-to for students, parents and education leaders statewide, using high-impact, youth-driven media to open the door to courageous conversations. (To learn more about Youth Media Matters, click HERE.)

Filmmaking and vocational skills

• Digital video camera and sound recording skills, including set-up and lighting
• Interviewing skills
• Observational framing and shooting techniques
• Story-boarding and writing techniques
• Non-linear digital editing skills
• On-line branding skills (web, social media, streaming) and public engagement

Career and post secondary education skills

• Communication and relationship-building skills (with peers and adults)
• Exposure to professional filmmakers and university staff and faculty
• Exposure to public via film screenings, online branding, and social media
• Peer collaboration skills, working in production teams
• Exposure to vocational careers and increased understanding of college admissions
• Mandatory mentoring in the second year.  Peer to peer teaching.
• Portfolio development including resumes and bios with finished videos