Digital Storytelling Program (DSP)
The foundational youth media training experience — learn to research, produce, and share digital stories rooted in your community.
DSP is for young people in Austin who want to learn digital media skills through community storytelling. No prior experience required. If you have a story to tell — about your neighborhood, your family, your culture, or your community — DSP gives you the tools and training to tell it professionally. DSP is also a natural entry point into the broader E4 Ecosystem for youth ready to build real skills.
DSP is a structured, cohort-based experience in digital storytelling. Participants learn the full arc of media production: research, scripting, interviewing, audio recording, video production, photography, and post-production editing. Every project is rooted in community — participants tell stories about the people, places, and histories that matter to them.
The program runs in cohorts with regular sessions over multiple weeks. Participants work individually and in teams, receiving mentorship from experienced facilitators and E4Youth alumni. Final stories are shared at public showcases and community events.
Digital media production (audio, video, photography)
Research and interviewing techniques
Narrative design and scripting
Editing and post-production workflows
Community-based storytelling methodology
Professional communication and collaboration
Portfolio-ready work samples
James "JT" Thompson
DSP participant → Get Creative! audio producer → E4 Live production lead → E4 Level Up → employer-funded audio engineer
JT joined DSP with no technical background — he didn't know what a digital audio workstation was. Through DSP, he discovered a talent for audio production and storytelling. He moved into Get Creative! where he produced original audio content, then led production for E4 Live events. Through E4 Level Up, he connected with an Austin music production studio that offered him an employer-funded audio engineering position.
“I walked into DSP not knowing what a DAW was. Now I'm engineering sessions for artists I grew up listening to.”
— James "JT" Thompson
Apply
Applications for DSP cohorts open on a rolling basis. No prior experience needed.
Refer a Young Person
Educators, parents, and community leaders can connect youth to DSP.
Partner With Us
Organizations and media companies can support DSP through mentorship, resources, or showcase hosting.