Youth Stories — Voices of the E4 Ecosystem
Stories & Showcases highlight youth voices, project outcomes, and public storytelling experiences across E4Youth programs. Every story here is proof that the ecosystem works.
Elevate Proof
These are the stories that show where the E4 Ecosystem leads. Real participants, real outcomes, real careers.
The Circle Completes
One of E4Youth's earliest participants — who started in DSP as a high schooler — now works part-time on staff, co-designs curriculum for new cohorts, and mentors youth who remind him of where he started.
Heritage Tour Guide to Creative Professional
Began facilitating AR Heritage Tours as a college student. The public speaking, storytelling, and technical skills she built led to a full-time role at a creative agency.
Mentor, Then Manager
An early E4Youth participant returned as a program mentor during college, then transitioned into a part-time staff role helping shape the next generation of programming.
Engage Stories
Walking Through History
Youth participants created an augmented reality experience that brings Black Austin history to life in public spaces, connecting past and present through technology and storytelling.
Community Connection
An E4 Live networking event brought together over 100 creatives, professionals, and community members for an evening of connection and collaboration.
Educate Stories
Digital Storytellers
Youth learned video production, audio editing, and digital publishing to tell stories about their neighborhoods, schools, and communities.
Creative Futures
High school participants developed professional portfolios and presented their work at a public showcase, gaining confidence and visibility as emerging creatives.
Empower Stories
Voices of the Community
An oral history project that captured stories from three generations of Austin families, preserving memories and perspectives that might otherwise be lost.
Heritage Remix
College-aged participants combined traditional cultural practices with emerging technology to create interactive installations for community spaces.
Elevate Stories
First Portfolio, First Job
A Get Creative participant used his E4Youth portfolio to land his first paid freelance project before finishing high school. He's now studying design in college.
From Workshop to Heritage Guide
A DSP participant who started as a 10th grader documenting family stories now leads AR Heritage Tours as a stipend-supported facilitator.
Share Your Story
Every E4Youth participant has a story worth sharing. Join us and let your voice be heard.