Starnes Media, publisher of the Vestavia Voice, is set to launch the Starnes Media Creator Collective, a mentorship program designed to provide local high school students with hands-on experience in journalism, storytelling and media production. The initiative aims to cultivate essential life skills and professional growth among students from 11 high schools in its metro Birmingham coverage area.
“This initiative is personal to me,” said Tim Stephens, general manager and editor-in-chief of Starnes Media. “I’ve seen firsthand how mentorship opportunities like this can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, instilling confidence, developing critical skills and inspiring creativity. The Creator Collective will help students discover their passion for storytelling while producing work that resonates with their communities.”
Photo by Savannah Schmidt
The Starnes Media staff in their Homewood office prepares to welcome the Creator Collective, a high school program for aspiring journalists.
Applications for the program will be accepted from Jan. 13 to Feb. 24, 2025. Eligible candidates include current high school seniors graduating in May 2025, as well as sophomores and juniors who will be juniors and seniors during the 2025-26 academic year. Up to four students will be selected from each of the following schools to serve as correspondents for the associated Starnes Media publication:
Vestavia Voice
- Vestavia Hills High School
The Homewood Star
- Homewood High School
- John Carroll Catholic High School
Hoover Sun
- Hoover High School
- Spain Park High School
Cahaba Sun
- Hewitt-Trussville High School
- Clay-Chalkville High School
Village Living
- Mountain Brook High School
280 Living
- Spain Park High School
- Oak Mountain High School
- Chelsea High School
- Briarwood Christian School
Additionally, students who live in these communities, but do not attend one of the high schools listed above are welcome to apply as well.
Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, a writing or multimedia sample and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor.
The selection process will evaluate candidates based on creativity, commitment to the program’s mission, potential for growth and availability to participate in workshops and cover events both remotely and within the community during the course of the academic year. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for video conference interviews scheduled between Feb. 26 and Feb. 28, 2025, with final selections announced on March 5, 2025.
The program is set to commence in March 2025 and will run through May 2026. Key milestones include an orientation in March 2025, monthly workshops throughout the program duration, a graduation project in May 2025 and a final showcase in May 2026.
Participants will benefit from mentorship provided by seasoned professionals, gaining practical experience in producing print articles, videos and social media content. The program also emphasizes life skills development, focusing on areas such as résumé building, college and internship guidance, financial literacy, personal branding, networking, time management and the balance between hard and soft skills.
“We are thrilled to provide this opportunity for students to explore their passion for storytelling,” said Dan Starnes, founder and president of Starnes Media. “By investing in the next generation of journalists and content creators, we are not only contributing to their personal and professional growth but also enriching the quality of local journalism in our communities.”
An advisory board comprising industry professionals, educators and community leaders will provide strategic guidance and support to ensure the program aligns with industry standards and educational goals. The board will also assist in resource mobilization and community outreach, contributing to the program’s success and sustainability.
Starnes Media, an award-winning publisher of hyperlocal community newspapers and magazines, is recognized both locally and nationally for its growth and excellence. Founded in 2008 with the acquisition of 280 Living, the company has expanded to include seven community newspapers and several niche magazines, as well as a full-service digital marketing agency serving the greater Birmingham area.
Businesses interested in supporting the Creator Collective through sponsorship or advertising opportunities are encouraged to contact Tim Stephens directly at tstephens@starnesmedia.com or by phone at (205) 313-1780.
“Partnering with local businesses is essential to the success of this program,” Stephens said. “Their support will enable us to provide valuable resources and opportunities to aspiring young journalists in our community.”
For more information about the Creator Collective and the application process, interested students and educators are encouraged to visit vestaviavoice.com or apply here.
