Hands-On Learning with Industry Professionals

This summer, YouthBeat proudly welcomed 72 Oakland youth into our 2024 YB Academy Internship Program. Over five intensive weeks, students immersed themselves in over 100 hours of multimedia training, focusing on Animation & Filmmaking. Our cohorts included both beginners and returning advanced students, creating a rich, layered learning environment.

Daily interdisciplinary workshops were led by a dedicated team of working industry professionals, providing our students with invaluable hands-on learning experiences. One student shared, "Being a part of YouthBeat improved my summer because I got to learn about a passion of mine and meet new people." The program culminated in the production of over 30 short films, spanning Animation, Narrative, and Documentary genres. Here are two of our students' films that you can check out. To see all of our students' videos, please visit our YouTube channel.

Expanding Horizons with Motion Graphics

This year, we expanded our Animation offerings to include a Motion Graphics After Effects cohort. These students, having completed our Animators 1 program, brought a solid foundation in the 12 Principles of Animation. They enhanced their portfolios with creative Motion Graphics landscapes, character animations, and an group project featuring all-original media assets, including an original score.

Both the Animation 1 and After Effects/Animators 2 cohorts collaborated on a short promo/recruitment video for YouthBeat. This project provided real-world production house experience, with students working in designated departments, each responsible for different production aspects.

Student Growth and a Bright Future Ahead

Our students' feedback speaks volumes about the program's impact. One Animation student noted, "if I get into an art class in my next high school year, I've already learned a lot about animation that can help me in the future or get into a career that involves animation." Another shared, "it improved me by knowing more about graphic design as well as getting out of my comfort zone. By splitting work with other people, I was forced to communicate in a way that ensures work gets done in a timely fashion."

Our program's success is reflected in the feedback: 75% of participants rated the program as Excellent, with the remaining 25% rating it as Good. All students agreed that the experience "improved their summer," 98% were proud of their work, and 96% felt it improved their ability to work well with others.

The YouthBeat Academy Summer Program is more than just an educational experience; it's an immersive journey that prepares students for the school year and life in general. They leave with new friendships, enhanced skills, and increased confidence. This confidence stems from sharing their ideas, completing projects, and stepping out of their comfort zones to work and present within groups.

Generous donations and community support enable us to provide these transformative experiences. Thank you for helping us empower Oakland’s youth. Click HERE to learn more about how to support YouthBeat. Together, we’re building a brighter future for these talented young individuals!