At Boys Town, education isn’t just about textbooks and tests. It’s also about real-world experiences that inspire, challenge and prepare our kids for the future. This past year, we took learning beyond the classroom in an exciting new way by partnering with Next Generation Storytellers to launch a filmmaking program, one that gave our students the chance to write, direct and star in their own short films.
Throughout our history, Boys Town has been redefining education by blending academics with life skills, ensuring our kids not only learn but thrive. We’ve introduced innovative programs that engage students in ways traditional schooling often misses, whether through vocational training, creative arts or post-graduation training.
This year, we added filmmaking to that list, a medium that teaches storytelling, teamwork, technical skills and confidence. With the guidance of Next Generation Storytellers, our students didn’t just study film; they became filmmakers.
Over the course of the school year, Boys Town students worked closely with industry professionals to:
· Write original scripts by developing stories from their own imaginations
· Get real-world advice from industry mentors
· Collaborate as a crew and experience the teamwork required to bring a creative vision to life
The program culminated in a two-day film shoot on Boys Town’s campus, where Next Generation Storytellers brought a full professional crew with cameras, lights, sound equipment and more. The students stepped into the roles of directors, actors and cinematographers giving them a hands-on opportunity to see their hard work transform into something tangible.
At Boys Town, we understand that engagement isn’t just about attendance, it’s about showing kids what’s possible. This program proved:
· Potential is universal, but opportunity is not—and we’re leveling the playing field
· Hands-on learning reignites passion for kids, especially those who’ve been left behind by traditional systems
·These skills go beyond filmmaking; they teach problem-solving, teamwork and perseverance.
This partnership was just beginning. We’re committed to experiential learning—whether through film, technology, trades or the arts—because we know these are the inspirational moments that stick with kids long after graduation. For so many of our students, this wasn’t just about making movies. It was about finally seeing themselves as capable of success with something new, challenging and exciting.
See below for a glimpse into the film creation process at Boys Town.
