The Lab, is a free after-school program that challenges Brooklyn high school students to create short documentary films about their lives. Working one-on-one with professional filmmaker-mentors, students write, shoot and edit personal narrative videos on subjects they choose. In the process, they gain self-esteem, develop media literacy and master state-of-the-art digital filmmaking technology. We say to teens: You have a voice! Use it!

Each spring and fall we select 12 diverse and talented teens from across New York City for this free 20-week filmmaking workshop. To apply you must be a high school student between 15-19 years old be able to attend classes at the Prospect Park YMCA in Park Slope, Brooklyn, each Wednesday from 4pm-6pm and Saturday’s from 10am-1pm. You must also have a strong desire to work with a mentor and be able to meet him/her once a week at a time you choose together. Students film and edit their movies between classes.

Most importantly, you must have a story you are passionate about and absolutely must tell the world!