Creators lab
about the program
Inspire Life’s Creators Lab is a cutting-edge program designed to ignite the creative potential of youth in our community. Led by our 3x Grammy-nominated program director, Akene Dunkley, Creators Lab offers a unique opportunity for youth aged 10 and up to delve into the worlds of music and film. With a strong focus on Hip Hop, R&B, Gospel, and Jazz, participants are guided by industry professionals who bring a wealth of experience and passion to the program.
At Creators Lab, we believe that creativity is a powerful vehicle for self-expression and change. Our program provides a dynamic environment where young creators can explore their artistic talents, develop technical skills, and gain hands-on experience in music production, songwriting, film editing, and more. The lab not only fosters creative exploration but also encourages career development, helping participants to envision and pursue paths in the creative industries.
By combining artistic disciplines with cutting-edge technology, Creators Lab empowers the next generation of creators to tell their stories, shape their futures, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Embedded in the program are crucial literacy and math skills, which are particularly important in our area, where literacy and math rates are low. By focusing on both creative growth and academic improvement, Creators Lab provides a holistic learning environment that nurtures the entire individual.
By blending artistic creativity with STEAM education, the program offers access to professional-level equipment and training in a supportive, community-based space. Here, youth can explore their passions, build real-world skills, and connect with mentors who inspire them to see potential careers in creative fields while helping them uncover their own value and purpose.
Through Creators Lab, we are making this type of transformative experience accessible to those who typically don’t have access to it. Comparable programs often cost $325 and up and don’t provide nearly the same level of community support. In a place where teens struggle to find safe, affordable spaces to develop independence, Creators Lab is a beacon of welcome and opportunity.
At its core, the program is built around the values of community, connection, skill-building, and creating a safe space where young people can see themselves reflected and imagine their futures as creators. One of the primary goals of Creators Lab is to help bridge the digital divide—which refers to the lack of access to technology in overburdened communities.
At Creators Lab, we are on a mission to develop content creators, not just consumers. By empowering youth to responsibly and practically use technology, we aim to help them enhance their self-image, express their creativity, and chase their dreams.
With companies like Netflix and other film studios expanding in the area, Creators Lab is creating a pipeline of diverse talent ready to enter this growing industry. The program gives participants the skills, confidence, and drive to pursue careers in creative fields, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute to the future of the industry.
In short, Creators Lab is more than a program—it is an empowering platform for youth to unlock their potential and see themselves as future changemakers in both the creative and academic spheres.
Tangible Skills Creatives Will Learn in Creators Lab
Music production: Understanding digital audio workstations (DAWs), music theory, and sound engineering.
Video production: Filming, editing, and producing high-quality content using industry-standard software and equipment.
Instrument proficiency: Learning to play instruments like piano, drums, or guitar.
Songwriting: Crafting lyrics and composing original music.
Film editing: Using software to cut and edit videos, create transitions, and add sound effects.
Sound engineering: Recording, mixing, and mastering audio for music and film.
Technical literacy: Learning to navigate the latest software for music and video production.
Soft and Interpersonal Skills
Creativity and self-expression: Using the arts to explore identity and voice.
Collaboration: Working with peers and mentors on creative projects.
Critical thinking and problem-solving: Finding solutions in both creative and technical challenges.
Time management: Managing deadlines and project timelines.
Emotional intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions, both personally and through artistic expression.
Confidence and self-esteem: Building belief in their creative abilities and value as individuals.
Leadership: Taking initiative in projects and guiding others.
Goals of CreatoRs Lab
Bridge the digital divide: Ensure that youth in underserved communities have access to the latest technology and equipment, fostering technological literacy and preparing them for careers in creative industries.
Create content creators, not just consumers: Equip participants with the skills needed to produce high-quality content in music, film, and other creative arts, helping them see themselves as active creators and contributors to their communities.
Improve academic outcomes: Integrate literacy and math skills into creative activities, using hands-on learning to reinforce academic growth, especially in an area where traditional school outcomes are low.
Foster self-expression and career exploration: Help youth find their voice and purpose through creative outlets while connecting them to real-world career paths in industries like music production, film, and technology.
Provide a safe, supportive environment: Create a welcoming space where youth can explore their independence, learn collaboratively, and develop essential social-emotional skills without judgment.
Develop technical and professional skills: Train participants in industry-standard software and tools, ensuring they gain real-world skills that can translate directly into career opportunities.
Empower youth with confidence and drive: Build participants' self-esteem and confidence through creative accomplishments, inspiring them to take initiative and pursue careers in growing creative industries.
Prioritize teen independence: Unlike many programs that place teens in work-prep roles, we prioritize giving them the space to explore their individuality in age-appropriate ways. They are free to be teens, expressing themselves and exploring their identity without the burden of responsibility they often carry outside the program. This allows for authentic self-expression and growth.