APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, April 21

OVERVIEW
We are looking for creative D.C. high school students with individualized education programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans to participate in SchoolTalk’s Voices of Change program!  For full details, visit www.schooltalkdc.org/voices-of-change 

IMPORTANT DATES
Students accepted into the program will participate in 30 to 40 hours of SUMMER programming that includes coaching sessions and a multi-day competition.
-- Saturday Coaching Sessions – June 25; July 9, 16, 23, 30; August 6.
-- Multi-day Competition – Week of August 8 (tentative).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Participants must meet the following criteria:
1) Age 14 – 22
2) D.C. student with an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan (enrolled in a high school through June 2022)
3) Upon acceptance, work with SchoolTalk to complete an RSA referral or Pre-ETS consent form by April 30, 2022.
4) Strong interest in pursuing a creative or artistic career, including careers in music production, photography, videography, painting, drawing, communications, advocacy, and more
5) Some experience in one or more of the following art forms: music production, videography, photography, or visual art. Experience can be formal training, such as art classes, shows, performances, or it can be informal experience as a self-taught artist, such as doodling and drawing, creating music or beats on Garage Band, writing poetry, taking photos, and more.
6) Must be able to participate in at least 30 to 40 hours of coaching sessions between June and August 2022
7) Depending on the number of applicants, we may contact you to request a sample of your work or to participate in a virtual interview.
8) Upon acceptance into the program, you (and a parent or guardian if you are under 18) attend a mandatory information session where SchoolTalk staff will review the intake process with you and provide the required paperwork packet for you to complete.

If you have any questions or would like to request accommodations in the application process, please register for an info session or contact SchoolTalk’s Arts to Advocacy team by email at dcyln@schooltalkdc.org or by phone at 202-681-0638.

Please note: The Voices of Change Program is only able to serve up to 50 youth this summer.  Not all youth that apply will be accepted to the Voices of Change Program.  Priority & waiting lists will be created based on need. Youth or their families are responsible for transportation to and from Voices of Change sessions. SmartTrip cards are available upon request.