Application Open for TOMODACHI Story Jam for Youth with Disabilities 2024

Deadline Extended!
New Deadline: Friday, August 9, 11:59 p.m.

The application for the TOMODACHI Story Jam for Youth with Disabilities 2024 is open now. Japanese and American college students and young professionals with disabilities will learn digital storytelling and leadership during the 9-week online program. Participants will explore and identify a moment or moments related to overcoming barriers to tell as a story and make it into a short movie.

This year’s program will run 7-9pm on Tuesdays Eastern Standard Time in the U.S. or 8-10am on Wednesdays Japan Standard Time.

Please click below for the application materials.
Program Flier
Application Form

Application Deadline: July 31, 2024 August 9, 2024 

Eligibility

To qualify for the program, you must:

• Be a Japanese or American individual with a disability between the ages of 18 and 35
• Be a student currently enrolled at a Japanese or American college, or a young professional working part-time, full-time, or self-employed young professional, or a volunteer engaged in community service
• Have basic English language skills (conversation, reading, and writing), or if you are Deaf, have basic English language reading and writing skills and basic American Sign Language skills
• Have a compelling story about your experience of breaking down barriers at college, work, or other areas of life (e.g., relationships, family, community), and lessons learned
• Commit to participating in all scheduled group sessions and adhere to storytelling deadlines and reporting
• Give permission to have your digital story shared at a final online event

Program Schedule

July 31: Online application closes
Early to mid-July: Candidate interviews held
August: Finalists announced
September 10-November 5: Story Jam and Youth Leadership Program
Mid-November: Public online event

Click here to learn more about the TOMODACHI Story Jam for Youth with Disabilities.