At Better Youth, we believe that the future rests in the hands of engaged, driven, and empowered youth. We also believe that ‘story’ and storytelling are the inspirational means for shaping our future. That’s why we are excited to provide an opportunity to explore and learn at a professional level the creative disciplines of animation (A), interactive gaming (I), media production including film and TV shows (M), and new media with virtual and mixed realities (N). Together, these powerful storytelling skills make up our A. I. M. and N. or as we call it, AIM-N-Inspire.

Through Animation, Interactive/Gaming, Media, and New Media training and development, Better Youth’s AIM-N-Inspire Program cultivates a sense of character, a heart of service, excellence and accomplishment for opportunity youth (current and former foster/TAY, homeless and low -ncome) ages 16-24 in the Los angeles County, by providing state-of-the art training in preparation for careers in the creative economy. With support from Skydance Media, Amazon, Silicon Valley Bank, BOS Holly Mitchell and the California Community Foundation, Better Youth participants will be encouraged to discover and express their personal voice, develop leadership abilities, use their talents to inspire creativity and change, network with leading media and entertainment industry professionals, and build marketable skills that will enable them to pursue their life’s vision.

Our Professional Development (April - June), Summer Intensive + Content Creation (June - Sept), and Exhibition (Sept - Dec) sessions are deployed in three phases. This is valuable educational opportunity helps youth target a career focus while being exposing to media and entertainment industry professionals and practices. The created content and media works of successful participants will be showcased at a culmination at Disneyland, on the Real To Reel Global Film Festival platform and other digital distribution outlets.

When accepted as an AIM-N-Inspire 2021 participant, youth will become a member of Better Crew,the media production team at Better Youth and will receive a scholarship (valued at $2000) that pays for enrollment and activities including access to all related equipment needed for projects and events. As a result, project participation is of no cost. Participants also receive an AIM internship through paid work experiences in our media labs, are matched with a 1:1 professional mentor, receive supportive human services and upon program completion receive receive a certificate and digital badge.