I am art. I am change. programs
Our i am art. i am change. youth programs encourage youth to examine societal issues, specifically the ones they see in and around their community and push them to explore new ideas and creative solutions to social issues through conversation, creation, and collaboration.
Youth programs are at the heart of ET’s work. Teaching artists and educators push ET participants to explore new ideas and creative solutions to social issues, yielding end products as varied as community murals, short films, and the development of a student bill of rights. Relaunching programs this fall, youth will learn from teaching artists and strengthen their craft in our I Am Art. I Am Change. Apprenticeship program while collaborating with youth in our Social Justice collective to offer learning and engagement opportunities to the broader community via public art projects grounded in relevant social themes.
annual apprenticeship program
Elevated Thought’s annual I am Art. I am Change. Apprenticeship aims to provide artistic and financial opportunities for Merrimack Valley youth to explore and expand their creative skills. Apprentices will gain experience through working closely with our Teaching Artists to build their professional skills and artistic and social entrepreneurship.
applications for the 2025-26 school year are OPEN
we are offering apprenticeships in the following tracks:
Visual Arts
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painting
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illustration
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mural production
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mixed media
Photography
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manual
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digital
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film
Creative Writing
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poetry
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spoken word performance
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freestyle
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essay
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journalism
apprenticeship offerings:
apprenticeship offerings:
• Apprentices start off at $15/hr for 8 hours per week with opportunities for additional commission and project stipends.
• Leadership opportunities through social justice themed public art projects.
• Full access to our art supplies, equipment, and workspace.
• Transportation will be provided (pickup from Lawrence High).
• Professional mentorship
apprenticeship timeline
February 2nd, 2026
applications open
April 1, 2026
Open House @ Elevated Thought w/ Apprenticeship Info Session + Application Support
April 21, 2026
applications close
May 30, 2026
Explore and Create Workshop (interview style workshop)
mandatory for all applicants
May to June 2026
Application Review
June 12, 2026
Apprentices are notified of application status
Early August
Paperwork is due
Early September
Apprenticeship Program Begins; Mandatory week of onboarding and Prep with Elevated Thought Staff
For any questions,
please contact our Program Director, Michelle at michelle@elevatedthought.org
"
Elevated Thought has given me the resources to feel confident in taking pictures in and out of the studio. The community at ET has helped me find my authenticity as well as finding the courage to use my passion to help my community.
XAN, Photography Apprentice, Class of 2023
