Be The Change
For: High School Students
When: July 8–19, 2024 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday–Friday)
Where: University of Hartford
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: June 1, 2024
Questions? Contact School of Communication Director and Associate Professor Jack Banks.
Space is Limited. Apply Today!
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, July 8–19, 2024, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday–Friday.
Are you interested in exploring a career in news and media production? Do you want to know how to use your voice to bring about social change? The School of Communication seeks to inspire young people from a broad range of backgrounds to pursue news and media careers, while giving instruction in media literacy, so they can be more thoughtful media producers and consumers.
The theme, Be the Change, was chosen to empower you to have your voice heard as a journalist, activist, and a next generation leader who will work toward social change.
The program is valued at $2,000 per student and is being made free of charge for participants, due to a generous donation from Impact Teen Drivers and the continued support of NJM Insurance Group. 
Why Attend?
You will participate in hands-on learning with UHart faculty and hear from guest speakers including successful media professionals and our partners at Impact Teen Drivers and FOX61News. You will produce your own live TV show in the studio and short videos about issues that are important to you. On the last day of the program, there is a public showing of your work and you will receive a certificate of program completion.
You will learn:
- The basics of video production in a TV studio and on location
- Creative digital storytelling
- The role of media in a democracy
- How to create TV and video news and public service announcements
- Media activism and the importance of media literacy.
Application Requirements
Students eligible for the program are students who are:
- Currently in high school
- Living in a commutable radius (about 50 miles) of the University of Hartford campus
To be considered, you must submit:
- A short essay
- Your GPA for your last completed year of school
- A list of your extracurricular activities that support your potential to use your voice in media
Space is limited so you are encouraged to apply early!