After earning my MFA in Interdisciplinary Studio Practice from California College of the Arts, I launched The CCC Project to empower youth through creativity, publishing, and activism. Before my time at CCA, I spent years leading youth mentorship programs across the San Francisco Bay Area, NYC, Upstate New York, and Berlin, developing a playful, collaborative approach to teaching media arts and creative writing.
In 2016, I officially founded The CCC Project to work closely with young writers and photographers bursting with brilliant ideas but needing guidance to bring them to life. The three C’s—creativity, curiosity, and community—are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we develop compelling stories, share them widely to inspire other young creators, and donate book royalties to organizations creating the kind of positive change we believe in.
As I worked with these talented young creators, I noticed a common thread: their passion for storytelling transcended their diverse backgrounds. In 2022, I expanded our mission by launching The Creative Youth Collective—a vibrant, supportive community where members share their work, exchange ideas, and collaborate. Alongside one-on-one mentorship, these group sessions have become a hub for creativity and connection.
This year, a standout achievement was the creation of our 2022–2024 Creative Youth Collective Anthology. It’s a celebration of the unique voices that have shaped our program over the past two years. Each young writer and photographer selected their most meaningful pieces, and we worked together to balance written and visual elements, ensuring every contribution shone individually while building a cohesive, inspiring whole.
Photographs and text by Creative Youth Collective Scholarship Awardee, Anna Calia
Proceeds from the Anthology directly fund our scholarship program. In 2024, we’ve proudly awarded over $13,000 in scholarships to help young authors realize their creative dreams.
This Giving Tuesday, you can support the next generation of storytellers by purchasing a copy of our Anthology or making a tax-deductible donation to our scholarship program through our website. Every contribution helps us nurture more creative voices and amplify their impact.
Thank you for believing in the power of storytelling to inspire change.
Warmly,
Kathryn Ian Gentzke
Founder & Director