Applications are currently open and accepted through June 15th, or until filled.
The RYSE MPLS (Representing Youth Stories and Experiences in Minneapolis) Summer Media Program is a free, two-week media experience for high school students entering grades 9-12 interested in filmmaking, television, journalism, and storytelling. Offered in July and August 2026, the program provides teens with an immersive creative and career development opportunity to collaborate with peers, community partners, and local media professionals. Participants gain hands-on experience producing original short films and stories about topics they care about, with completed projects showcased in a theater and aired on television.
RYSE MPLS is for teens who want to tell meaningful stories, connect with their community, and explore the power of media to create change. Participants work alongside a cohort of peers while developing leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving skills. The program encourages young people to share their perspectives, elevate issues that matter to them, and discover how storytelling can make a lasting impact.
We offer two different RYSE MPLS Summer Media Programs:
- JULY - JOURNALISM: July 13th - July 24th | Monday - Friday daily from 11AM - 4PM | SPEAK MPLS South- 2429 Nicollet Avenue
- AUGUST - FILMMAKING: August 3rd - August 14th | Monday - Friday daily from 11AM - 4PM | SPEAK MPLS Northeast- 1121 Jackson Street NE #128
8 spots available per program!
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Get paid a $300 stipend upon successful completion of the program
- See your work reach real audiences through public screenings, TV broadcast, and digital platforms
- Gain hands-on media production experience with 4K cameras, audio equipment, lighting, video editing, and professional storytelling techniques
- Learn from working media professionals in journalism, filmmaking, television, and digital media
- Build your resume and portfolio with a completed media project that reaches real audiences through TV, digital, and community distribution
- Receive a SPEAK MPLS annual membership (a $200 value) with access to production studios, media labs, equipment, and discounted classes to continue your media journey
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
- Week 1: Learn & Produce
- Participants receive hands-on training in video production, storytelling, interviewing, and media equipment while taking part in workshops, field trips, and community partner interviews. Guided by experienced media professionals and mentors, they develop story ideas and begin producing original projects about topics they care about.
- Week 2: Edit & Share
- Participants learn video editing and post-production techniques, continue filming in the field, and complete their projects for public presentation. The program culminates with stories prepared for community screenings, TV broadcast, and digital distribution.
RYSE MPLS Summer Media Program is presented and powered by SPEAK MPLS
FAQ
The RYSE MPLS Summer Journalism Program takes place at SPEAK MPLS South (2429 Nicollet Avenue) from July 13-24, 2026. The RYSE MPLS Summer Filmmaking Program takes place at SPEAK MPLS Northeast (1121 Jackson Street NE, #128) from August 3-14, 2026. Both programs meet Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
RYSE MPLS is an immersive, hands-on experience. Participants are expected to attend all program days to get the most from the experience and successfully complete their projects. Any schedule conflicts should be discussed in advance.
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a $300 stipend. Daily snacks are provided, and participants should bring a lunch each day.
RYSE MPLS is open to current high school students, with a priority for Minneapolis residents. Students completing 8th grade and those graduating from 12th grade in 2026 are also encouraged to apply. No previous media experience is required.
We believe young people bring important perspectives, stories, and experiences that deserve to be seen and heard. While all eligible students are encouraged to apply, we especially welcome applications from youth whose voices have historically been underrepresented in media, including:
- Students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students
- English language learners
- LGBTQ+ students
- Students with disabilities
- Students experiencing housing instability or homelessness
Past RYSE MPLS participants have explored topics such as:
- Mental health and wellness
- Local business and community leader profiles
- Public transportation and accessibility
- Youth activism and civic engagement
- Representation in media and politics
- Arts, culture, and identity
- Community resources and social issues that impact teens
RYSE MPLS (Representing Youth Stories and Experiences in Minneapolis) is the youth media program of SPEAK MPLS. Through summer programs, after-school opportunities, youth-led events, and community storytelling projects, RYSE MPLS connects young people with the tools, training, and mentorship to create media about issues and experiences that matter to them.
SPEAK MPLS is a member-powered community media center and the steward of Minneapolis public access TV. Through access to studios, equipment, media education, and broadcasting opportunities, SPEAK MPLS activates community connections and creative opportunities while amplifying the voices, stories, and experiences that make Minneapolis unique. SPEAK MPLS TV airs on Comcast Xfinity Channels 16, 17 (798 HD), and 75, and streams online 24/7.
RYSE MPLS Application
