Digital Storytelling and Media Literacy Summer Program

The University of Hartford’s School of Communication invites Connecticut high school students to apply for admission to a free two-week summer day program, Be the Change, to learn about digital storytelling and media literacy. Sponsored by Impact Teen Drivers and the University of Hartford, the program is being held on the university, July 8–19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the School of Communication’s classrooms and production studios.

There is a competitive selection process for students awarded this opportunity based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and an essay where applicants discuss issues that are important to them based on their experiences and how they could make use of media to call attention to these issues to improve people’s lives.

What Students Will Learn

The program will include the basics of video production in a TV studio and on location, creative digital storytelling, the role of media in a democracy, TV and video news, public service announcements, media activism, and the importance of media literacy. Students will participate in hands-on workshops in video production and hear from guest speakers from successful media professionals and our partners at Impact Teen Drivers and FOX61. Participants will produce their own live TV show in the studio and short videos about issues that are important to them. On the last day of the program, there will be a public showing of student work and presentation of certificates of completion for participants.

Why Be the Change?

The School of Communication seeks to inspire young people from a broad range of backgrounds to pursue professions in news, media production, and activism, while providing them with instruction in media literacy, so they can be more thoughtful media producers and consumers. The theme, Be the Change, was chosen because we want to empower the students to have their voices heard by society as journalists, activists, and the next generation of leaders to work toward social change.

Complete and submit this form by June 1, 2024.

Participant Information

Student First Name

Student Preferred Name
(Will be used in place of first name in communications)

Student Last Name

Student Email Address

Mailing Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Home Phone Number

Cell Phone Number (if different from home phone):

List any special needs and/or dietary requirements:

Participant Academic Information

Name of current high school:

Select your current grade:

High school GPA for last year completed (on a 4.0 scale, where 4 is “A”, 3 is “B” and so on.)

List extracurricular activities that provide support of your potential to use your voice in media to contribute to diversity and address important issues in society. Examples include participation in the school newspaper or student TV news show, student clubs, submissions to the FOX 61 student news and Impact Teen Drivers programs.

Write a short essay where you discuss issues that are important to you based on your experiences and how you could make use of media to call attention to these issues to improve people’s lives.

Parent/Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian Contact

Parent/Guardian Name:

Parent/Guardian Email:

Permission of parents and/or guardians:

As the parent and/or guardian, I give permission for this student to apply for admission to the University of Hartford Be the Change summer day program and if admitted, I will provide for transportation to and from the program weekdays from July 8 to 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.