“If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”
– Dr. Carter G. Woodson, The Mis-Education of the Negro, published in 1933
Calling all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors!
- Do you like telling stories?
- Do you care about local Black history?
- Do you live or attend school in St. Petersburg?
- Do you want to strengthen your communication skills and earn a $1,000 stipend in the process?
If so, please consider applying for our “Their Stories, Our Voices” Youth Griot Program.
Program Details
Their Stories, Our Voices Youth Griot Program is a year-long commitment that will train 20 high school students to tell and share the stories of local Black history-makers. Through a six-week intensive summer program and continuing with bi-monthly Saturday sessions throughout the 2025-2026 school year, students will learn from Foundation’s Griot-in-Residence Ms. Gwendolyn Reese, as well as other professional journalists, photographers, videographers, and content creators.
- Participants will receive a $1000 stipend for their time and effort
- Student work will be showcased at a Juneteenth Exhibition at the Foundation’s Center for Health Equity in June, 2026
Important Dates and Deadlines*
- Application window: November 1 – December 20, 2024
- Summer programming: June 9 – July 18, 2025
- Fall programming: August 2025 – June 2026 (2nd and 4th Saturday each month, 10 AM – 12 PM)
- Exhibition showcase: June 19, 2026
*Dates are subject to change
Eligibility Requirements
- 9th – 11th grade high school students
- Complete and submit an application by December 20, 2024
- Must reside or attend school in St. Petersburg
- 3.0 GPA or higher
- 2 letters of recommendation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Griot Program and what can I expect as a participant?
Their Stories, Our Voices Youth Griot Program is a free, yearlong commitment that will prepare and train 20 high school students in telling and sharing the stories of their community. Specifically, during a 6-week summer intensive and in bi-monthly Saturday sessions throughout the academic year, students will learn from our local Griot-in-Residence, Gwendolyn Reese, in addition to professional journalists, photographer/videographers, and content creators about how to capture and share the stories of local black history-makers.
Participants will publish their bodies of work through a medium that will be widely shared and circulated, and their portfolios will be showcased on Juneteenth at the Foundation’s Center for Health Equity.
When does the application open and close?
The application opened November 1, 2024, and closes at 11:59 p.m. December 20, 2024.
What can I expect from the selection process?
After applications are submitted, a selection committee will identify and reach out to the top 30 candidates for follow-up interviews. After the interviews, the same committee will select up to 20 candidates to participate in the program.
All candidates will be notified about their status by mid-February of 2025.
Can the hours I spend participating in this program be used towards the Bright Futures Scholarship?
Yes! Participation in this program can be used towards the 100 Paid Work or Combination of Volunteer/Paid hours for the Bright Futures Scholarship.
Who should write a letter of recommendation on my behalf and how should they submit it?
A teacher, school administrator, coach, employer, or guidance counselor can write a letter of recommendation for you. You will need two letters of recommendation. On the application, simply include their names and email addresses. We will then contact them via email and provide the details and requirements for writing a letter. They will in turn email our team directly with their letters. We suggest you ask them to let you know when they have submitted their letter on your behalf. Please note that all letters must be emailed back to us by the application deadline of December 20, 2024.
REMEMBER: Please complete your application no later than December 20th. We recommend starting early so that you can secure letters of recommendation and address and questions you have.
If you have questions, please email Dr. Bilan Joseph at bilan@healthystpete.foundation.
