Youth Creator Lab
Youth Creator Lab — Virtual Workshop for Teen Storytellers (Ages 12–18)
Youth Creator Lab
For teens who write stories, build characters, and imagine worlds.
Ages 12–18 · Virtual · 90 minutes
· $10
No experience required. Fanfic welcome.
WHO IT’S FOR ?
If you write stories, build characters, or world build — you’re already a creator.
The Youth Creator Lab gives young writers the tools and confidence to grow creatively and explore real storytelling pathways.
This Lab is for:
- fanfic writers
- original storytellers
- character creators
- worldbuilders
- scene/plot writers
- manga/anime-influenced creators
- comic/graphic novel dreamers
- imaginative kids who struggle to “fit” in school writing
WHAT WE’LL DO
In 90 minutes, students will:
✔ explore how stories work
✔ learn how characters drive narrative
✔ understand creative project pathways
✔ complete a guided character-building exercise
✔ discover how stories become books & comics
✔ learn about the Youth Creator Accelerator (12 seats)
No sharing required. No experience needed.
WHY IT MATTERS
Storytelling builds skills that matter:
- literacy & communication
- narrative thinking
- creative problem-solving
- confidence & self-expression
- portfolio development
- future pathways in writing, animation, publishing, and media
- Creative kids don’t just need hobbies — they need pipelines and language for their work.
ABOUT THE PIPELINE
The Youth Creator Lab is the first step in the Youth Creator Pipeline — a creative development ecosystem for young storytellers.
After the Lab, students may apply to the Youth Creator Accelerator, a multi-week cohort (capped at 12 seats) where teens build:
- a creative project
- a story world
- a small portfolio
and the confidence to continue
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Program Director: KM Grant
Role for Students: Mentor (Ms. Grant)
KM Grant (Kiera Watkins) is a writer, publisher, and creative mentor focused on building pathways for the next generation of storytellers. As Program Director of the Youth Creator Pipeline, she helps young creators move from ideas to finished projects through structured skill-building, creative community, and real-world publishing literacy. Her work centers on expanding access to the creative industries for teens who are ready to treat their imagination as more than a hobby.
I built the Youth Creator Lab because I was once a creative kid who didn't know what to do with all my ideas.
- KM Grant
Youth Creator Lab
Ages 12–18
· Virtual
· 90 minutes
· $10
**Seats are open enrollment and first-come.
By registering for the Youth Creator Lab, you agree to the following terms:
Payment: The Creator Lab is a paid 90-minute virtual workshop ($10). Payment is due at registration and holds your seat.
Refunds: Due to limited spots, all registrations are non-refundable. If you cannot attend, you may transfer your seat to a future Lab date once within 90 days with at least 24 hours notice.
No-Shows: Participants who do not attend without notice forfeit their seat and may not reschedule.
Age Range: The Creator Lab is designed for youth ages 12–18. A parent/guardian must complete registration for minors.
Conduct & Safety: Participants are expected to contribute respectfully and uphold a creative environment free of harassment, bullying, or discriminatory language. Disruptive behavior may result in removal without refund.
Ownership of Work: Participants retain all rights to their original work (stories, characters, comics, etc.). The program does not claim ownership.
Use of Work (Optional): With parent/guardian consent, participants may allow excerpts or visual snapshots of their projects to be shown in classroom demonstrations or showcases.
Recording: Sessions are not recorded for public distribution. Brief internal recordings may occur for facilitator review or curriculum improvement and are not shared externally.
Parents/Guardians: By registering a minor, you acknowledge these terms and grant permission for program participation.
Program Placement: Participation in the Creator Lab does not guarantee admission into the Accelerator Cohort. Acceptance into the Accelerator is selective and based on project fit and student readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this for beginners?
Yes. No prior experience is required.
Do students need to share their work?
No. Sharing is optional in the Lab.
Is this for original stories or fanfic?
Both are welcome.
Is this only for kids who want to be professional writers?
No. Creative skill is valuable regardless of career path.
Is this a recurring program?
Yes. The Lab leads into the Accelerator, which is capped at 12 seats.
Who leads the session?
The program is led by KM Grant (Ms. Grant), Program Director and creative mentor.
Can parents attend?
Parents may observe quietly off-screen if needed, but the session is student-centered.