Calling all youth leaders on Scratch!

We are excited to announce the launch of a new program on Scratch: a Youth Advisory Board. This program is designed to enable Scratchers to collaborate with the Scratch Team, providing insights about Scratch from a youth perspective and contributing to the continued growth of Scratch.

Members of the Youth Advisory Board will have the opportunity to participate in focus groups, product co-design and play-testing, mentoring younger members of the Scratch community, and more..

Applications open on July 1st and close on July 19th. Everyone interested is encouraged to apply! To learn more about the application process, see the FAQ below.

We are looking forward to getting started with this exciting new program!
- ceebee, on behalf of the Scratch Team

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FAQ

What is the Youth Advisory Board?
The Youth Advisory board is a new program designed to enable youth leaders within the Scratch online community to collaborate directly with the Scratch Team, providing insights from a youth perspective and contributing to the continued growth of Scratch.

Is this program for me?
We are looking for Scratchers who are interested in leadership opportunities within Scratch. This could include Scratchers who have already participated in leadership programs like the Welcoming Committee, Scratch Design Studio, Front Page Curator, Scratch Camp Counselor, etc. It could also include Scratchers who have created and led their own studios within Scratch or Scratchers who have a lot of experience or passion for Scratch and want to share it with the Scratch Team. If any of this sounds like you, then we encourage you to apply!

How long does someone serve on the Youth Advisory Board?
Currently, we are asking for a 6 month commitment.

How much of a time commitment is this program?
This will vary a bit depending on what aspects of the program are happening but generally, there will be opportunities to participate at least once a month. This is a voluntary position in which you are free to participate as much or as little as you would like.

How many people will be accepted?
We will accept up to 50 applicants for this first cohort.

I live in a different country or time zone than the Scratch Team. Can I still apply?
Yes, definitely! The Scratch community is a global community and we want to make sure this is reflected in the Youth Advisory Board.

How do I apply?
The application is done in two parts. The first part is an online form and the second part is the creation of a Scratch project that addresses specific questions. We will also need to chat with a parent or legal guardian as part of the process to make sure you have their permission to participate in the program. More details regarding this will be provided when the application opens.

When is the application deadline?
Applications open on July 1st, 2024 and all applications must be submitted by July 19th, 2024.

I’ve applied. Now what?
Once the application process is closed, we will review all of the applications to determine who will be invited to join the Youth Advisory Board. We will let everyone know individually by email if your application was accepted.

I applied but wasn’t accepted. What else can I participate in?
There are lots of ways to participate in leadership opportunities on Scratch! We have some specific spaces you can check out right away including the Scratch Design Studio, the Welcoming Committee, and the Front Page Curator program. Being friendly and welcoming to others on Scratch, providing constructive feedback on projects, and hosting your own studios are also all wonderful ways to show leadership on Scratch! We can’t wait to see what you will do ^.^