FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Can I get school credit or volunteer hours for my participation?
If you participate in the Youth Advisory Council, Internship program, or volunteer in our studio or on field productions, you can get volunteer hours. If your school has a course or program which requires you to have an internship in the community, the Media Center can provide that experience.

You will not get volunteer hours for participation in classes or Digiquest summer camps.

2) What is the schedule for the YAC?
Applications will be accepted all summer long or at any point during the year for the following September. Interviews are typically held in the first two weeks of September and the first meeting is at the end of September. The YAC meets every week (except on holidays or school vacations) at the same time. The meeting day and time depends on the availability of the members, but has typically been either Monday or Wednesday from 5:30-7:00pm.

-During the beginning of the year the group focuses on field production (Sept - Jan). In the second half of the year, the group focuses on TV Studio production (Feb - June). Dates and schedules are subject to change. Please contact the Youth Services Coordinator for exact dates and current information.

3) Do you provide transportation?
Unfortunately, we do not provide transportation to the Media Center for our youth programming. Don't let this stop you from applying! In certain situations, we can work out carpooling or rides. Check with our Youth Services Coordinator for more details.

4) If I want an internship but do not have experience, do you have classes?
Yes, we do! If you want to volunteer or be an intern, we can offer you classes in order to gain the skills of your choice. Please see the following webpage for available classes or workshops. Once you have experience in studio or field production, we can put you to work!

5) Do you provide scholarships for classes?
Yes. If you are a student or the fee for the class is a deterrent for you, you can apply for a scholarship to our classes. They can be partial or full scholarship. If the class has enough paid students, you will be able to fill a scholarship "slot"! Contact Dave to apply for a scholarship or find out more about classes.

6) Am I eligible for the YAC?
You are eligible for the YAC if you are a high school student living or attending school in our service area - Atherton, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, or Stanford. For special circumstances, contact the Youth Services Coordinator.

7) Am I eligible for the Internship program?
If you are under 25 years of age and/or currently enrolled in school (high school or college), you are eligible for an internship. We also require that you have approximately 1 year of experience before you can become an intern. This experience includes video production, TV Studio production, web experience, graphic design experience, or maybe even photography. This depends on the projects we are currently working on.

8) Are internships paid?
Unfortunately, we can not offer payment or stipend for our internships. We do provide free training and free access to equipment. As an intern, you can take advantage of any of our classes at no cost to you.

9) If I was already an intern or member of the YAC, do I have to reapply for another program or to come back for a 2nd term?
Yes. If you are a Fall intern, and want to continue your internship into the Spring, you may have the option to extend your internship without submitting an additional application. In every other situation you will have to submit an additional application for the appropriate program. This is because we look at applications, whether they are returning or new, together. Internships and YAC require different skills and qualifications so it's important to stress in your application specifically why you want to participate in a certain program, or why you want to return to the Media Center. We LOVE returning members of the youth programs, so don't let this dissuade you from reapplying!

10) If I was not accepted to the YAC or the Internship program, can I reapply?
Of course! Sometimes we get a lot of applicants for one specific program, and we can't let everyone in. If you were not accepted to a program, reapply! Maybe you've gained new skills or the applicant pool is different. It couldn't hurt!

11) Do my grades matter?
No! We recognize that there are many other things about you than your grades. If you can demonstrate that you are willing to work hard and be a team player, you have just as good a chance as anyone.

12) Can I participate in the YAC more than once?
Yes! If you want to come back for a 2nd year, you can serve as a "Peer Leader." You will help the Youth Services Coordinator plan the meetings, lead trainings, facilitate discussions & activities, and provide support and guidance for the other members! Coming back as a "leader" is a great way to build on your leadership as well as your film skills.

13) I make films or videos on my own or for school, can I have them shown on the Media Center channels?
Yes! The Media Center will accept any video content to air on our channels. If it has any material that is inappropriate (e.g. curse words), it will be played after 10pm. Contact our Program Director for more information on having your videos played on the channels.

14) Where can I see videos that the MC youth have produced?
All youth productions can be see on Channel 28, our Youth, Education and Sports channel. To view a highlight reel of 2010 productions, visit our Youth page. You can also check out the Media Center Youtube channel, which has youth videos and community produced features. If you are looking for something specific, visit our searchable schedule and see when the show is playing!
 
Any other questions? Contact the Youth Services Coordinator.