ELEVATE CREATIVITY

Are you ready to explore your creativity, connect with new people, and discover more about yourself? This fall, Cultivate the Creative is inviting high school students (grades 9-12) to join Elevate Creativity—a free 9-week creative arts program designed to give you space to try new art modalities, strengthen your creative practice, connect with a community of like-minded creatives, build confidence, and share your unique story.

Each week, we’ll dive into a new way of expressing yourself—from movement and storytelling to art, nutrition, relationships, and even money management. You’ll get tools you can carry into everyday life, especially beyond high school, and you’ll also get to connect with other students across Pinellas County who are on their own creative journeys. Not only will you learn how to leverage your creative practice to tell your story by the end the 9 weeks but you will have a portfolio of your creative practice and certification of completion.

We’ll meet on Thursday evenings, October 11 – December 6, 2025, in different spots around town. Every session will be hands-on, creative, and fun—and by the end, you’ll have the chance to share your voice with friends, family, and community.

Here’s what the journey looks like:

Oct 11 – Elevate Creativity Kickoff (a parent/guardian is required to attend)
Oct 16 – From the Inside Out: Expressive Movement
Oct 23 – Food 4 Fuel: Nutrition
Oct 30 – I Feel, Therefore I Am: Mindfulness
Nov 6 – Interpersonal Communication: Softness as Strength
Nov 13 – Conflict Engagement and Resolution: Navigating Life's Challenges
Nov 20 – Plan Your Future: Financial Planning
Nov 25 (TUESDAY) – Find Your Voice!
Dec 4 – Share Your Voice and Story (internal showcase)
Dec 6 – Celebrate Your Story! (final celebration with friends & family)

Important Dates:

Info Session (students + parents/guardians): September 18 at 6 PM ET REGISTER HERE
Applications Due: September 26, 2025
Notifications Sent: October 1, 2025

How to Apply:

This application helps us get to know you. There are no right or wrong answers—we just want to hear your voice and your experiences. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Be yourself. Share who you are and what excites you.
Be honest. If you’re still figuring things out, that’s okay. This program is about exploring and learning.
Be creative. Tell us how you like to express yourself—whether that’s drawing, music, writing, dancing, gaming, photography, content creation, or anything else.

Take your time answering the questions. Don’t stress about writing perfectly—we’re interested in what’s real for you. Once you finish, double-check your contact info so we can reach you. You can download a copy of the application here so you can review the questions in advance.

If you have questions about the program or filling out the application, email us at connect@cultivatethecreative.org—we’re here to help!

This year, priority will be given to youth who live in zip codes 33705, 33711, and 33712, as well as youth who are in the foster care system. If this applies to you, please share that in your application. If it doesn’t, don’t worry—we still encourage you to apply and we’d love to hear your story.

We can’t wait to learn more about you and the story only you can tell. This is only the beginning to join us on our mission today by cultivating the creative within.