Applications now open for Minneapolis high school students until spots are filled.

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Do you have an interest in media production, TV, and storytelling? Want to tell your own story about identity, culture and community in a way that’s important to you? Looking for academic support and real-world career training? Then RYSE MPLS Story Lab is for you!

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Representing Youth Stories and Experiences in Minneapolis (RYSE MPLS) is a paid, 9-week after-school media program for 9th through 12th grade students attending Minneapolis Public Schools and surrounding districts interested in pursuing careers in media production, TV, and storytelling. Students will receive career training, academic support and collaborate with media mentors and peers to produce stories about identity, culture, and community. The final media projects will premiere at a local theater and on TV!

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RYSE MPLS Story Lab is offered across two Cohorts. Choose one of the following:  

  • Winter: November 28th – February 15th on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00PM - 7:00PM and screening event on February 15th from 5:00PM - 7:00PM
  • Spring: February 27th – May 2nd on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00PM - 7:00PM and screening event on May 2nd from 5:00PM - 7:00PM (COHORT FULL - WAITLIST OPEN)

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • $300 stipends, nutritious dinner/snacks and Metro Transit passes
  • Media career training in production, impactful storytelling, 4K cameras, audio, lighting, editing and more 
  • Academic tutoring, college application guidance and resume-building opportunities with media professionals and mentors
  • SPEAK MPLS annual Storyteller membership (a $200 value) to advance their journey in media with access to production studios, media labs equipment and discounted classes


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RYSE MPLS Story Lab was created for teens interested in working with a creative cohort of peers to develop impactful stories that explore identity, culture and community. Participants will develop strong leadership and organizational skills, and experience how teen voices can create change in our schools and communities. Participants are expected to attend all sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays:

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  • Tuesday programming will include media career training and field trips where experienced media professionals and mentors guide students in becoming experts in telling stories they are passionate about through hands-on workshops. 
  • Thursday programming will include academic support sessions with a tutor and designated time to work on homework and media projects. 
  • RYSE MPLS Story Lab will culminate in a special community screening event and the series will be featured on SPEAK MPLS TV’s family of channels on Comcast Xfinity in Minneapolis.

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RYSE MPLS Story Lab is presented by SPEAK MPLS and powered by Minneapolis Public Schools.

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What are the highlights of the program?

  • RYSE MPLS programming will take place at SPEAK MPLS South, located at 2429 Nicollet Avenue in South Minneapolis
  • All students will receive a $300 stipend upon completion of the program
  • Nutritious snacks and dinner will be provided
  • Students needing bus cards will be provided Metro Transit passes, upon request
  • Media career training in production, impactful storytelling, 4K cameras, audio, lighting, editing and more 
  • Academic tutoring, college application guidance and resume-building opportunities with media professionals and mentors
  • All students will receive an annual SPEAK MPLS Storyteller membership (a $200 value, issued upon completion of the program) to advance their journey in media with access to production studios, equipment and discounted media production classes

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Who is encouraged to apply to the RYSE MPLS Story Lab after school program?

We recognize that youth have unique identities and experiences that aren’t always represented in media. While RYSE MPLS welcomes applications from all students, those who identify as the following are encouraged to apply:

  • High school students enrolled in 9th-12th grade at Minneapolis Public Schools for the 2023-2024 academic year. Online students are eligible. Priority will be given to Minneapolis Public Schools students
  • Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch 
  • Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) students
  • English language learners
  • Students with disabilities 
  • Students experiencing homelessness

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It’s free to participate and students get paid?! How is the program funded?

The impact of COVID-19 on the student experience has been tremendous in many ways, with the impact stretching far and inequitably for many students and families. RYSE MPLS is free to all participants and is supported by Minneapolis Public Schools through Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funds to address academic losses for students most affected by COVID-19.

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So my work will be featured on TV? What is the RYSE MPLS Story Lab series?

Yes! RYSE MPLS Story Lab is a TV series featuring student-created narratives focused on identity, culture and community. The series will feature a compilation of short stories created during the program, set to air on TV and on the big screen at a community theater screening.

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What is SPEAK MPLS?

SPEAK MPLS is a member-powered media center reimagining the future of media in Minneapolis. Our mission is to activate community connections and creative opportunities with two studios, classes, and equipment. Amplify your voice on SPEAK MPLS TV- the home of Minneapolis public access TV channels 16, 17 (798 HD), and 75 on Comcast Xfinity. Stream online 24/7.

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RYSE MPLS Story Lab Application

Applications are currently open until spots are full. All applicants will be notified within 2 business days about the status of their application. Please contact SPEAK MPLS with any questions, or if you need assistance completing the application at info@speakmpls.com or 612-208-7215.