The CHA+DePaul Youth Partnership
Since 2016, the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) has partnered with DePaul’s Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media to offer youth in public housing valuable skills in cinema, game and graphic design. Through the six-week summer intensives, high school-aged students are trained by our award-winning faculty, mentored by our graduate students, visited by industry guest speakers, and taken on a number of experiential field trips to get inspired by our city’s rich arts culture. At the core, the programs are designed to provide new economic pathways for minority youth and to provide them with the tools to share their voices with the world.
Our Programs
Become a Filmmaker
Sixteen female-identifying youth learn all aspects of filmmaking from award-winning faculty and top graduate students within DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts. The program fosters new economic pathways and helps raise awareness on the social challenges they face.
Game & Graphic Design
Ten youth are selected to explore gaming and graphic design from expert game designer, Allen Turner, faculty instructor within DePaul University’s School of Design. Participants learn to use a variety of industry-relevant digital platforms and technologies, develop creative expression, and provide a voice for their experiences and unique perspectives.
Movie & TV Scripts 101
Twelve youth are invited to learn how to write an original screenplay from accomplished screenwriters within DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts. Participants will analyze a series of films studying screenplay format, visual writing style, scene craft, story structure, character development and dialogue. The program culminates with each participant writing their own short movie/tv script.
Extended Outreach
Currently, our programs operate through DePaul’s in-kind donations of classrooms, editing labs, and equipment. The remaining summer program budget is provided by CHA and their nonprofit partner, Springboard to Success.
In 2021, Elevated Films Chicago joined forces to extend access to filmmaking as both an artistic and economic pathway for CHA youth. Their support provides year-round film screenings, mentorship, networking opportunities and exposure to Chicago’s premier arts and culture.
If your organization would like to make a tax-deductible gift to ensure our rich programming continues, we invite you to reach out! Inquire About Becoming a Sponsor
Film Festivals & Awards
Rise Up
short documentary category
- Windy City International Film Festival, Chicago, IL
Winner, Rising Voices Award, July 2017 - Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival, New York, NY
Winner, Best Documentary, October 2017
*Academy Award Qualifying*
Birthday
short documentary category
- Black Maria Film Festival
Winner, Jury Award, November 2018 - Currently in consideration at 7 festivals nationwide.
Other Film Festival Screenings
- Global Girls Film Festival, (July 2017), Chicago, IL
- DC Black Film Festival (August 2017), Washington DC
- Black Harvest Film Festival “Allstate Youth Showcase” (August 2017), Chicago, IL
- Girls Don’t Cry - Persephone’s Daughters Film Division (Accepted), St. Paul, MN
- Twin Cities Black Film Festival (October 2017), Minnesota
- Harbour Global Girls Film Festival (December 2017), Chicago
Press Links
NBC Chicago, Making a Difference | June 27, 2017
Chaz’s Journal on RogerEbert.com | July 11, 2017
Chicago Tribune | May 2, 2018
CHA teen girls film documentaries, find power in Chicago’s difficult truths
CBS 2 News | July 16, 2018
Teens Paid to Learn Filmmaking Skills In “One Summer Chicago” Program
Variety Entertainment | May 2019
Chicago Program Gives High School Girls Lessons in Documentary Filmmaking
