The COOL Cohort
The Cohort is a premier weekend and after-school program specifically designed for middle and high school students ready to dive into the world of cinema. We provide a professional environment where young creators transition from fans to filmmakers through a structured, hands-on curriculum. We compensate all of our students 16 and older for their time with us providing resume building expereinces.
Classes
Build your foundation every Saturday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM during our Spring and Fall semesters. Our classes are leveled to meet you exactly where you are in your educational journey, focusing on workforce development and the essential hard skills needed to thrive in the film industry.
Workshops
Expand your horizons during our monthly Tuesday workshops from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. These sessions are open to all interested students and rotate topics based on the specific interests expressed by our cohort, ensuring you get deep-dive training in the areas you care about most.
Productions
Step onto a professional set once a month through our Benji Series. In these full-scale productions, our Fellows lead each department while students serve as the primary crew. Together, we produce professional-grade short films that serve as the cornerstone of our educational portfolio.
Community
When you join The Cohort, you are entering a dedicated collective of young artists and industry mentors. By bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world production, we foster a supportive environment where students collaborate, lead, and grow together. This is more than a program.The COOL Cohort is a creative home where your voice matters and your work makes a tangible impact.