A creative circle for emerging voices.

THE HEMLINE MENTORSHIPS

What is the Hemline Mentorship?

The Hemline Mentorship is a seasonal program for 10 young people who want to explore creativity as reflection, resistance, and self-expression. We meet weekly for 6 weeks in a guided circle—writing, sharing, and growing together. Each session is gentle, structured, and led with care.

We mentor with care, not critique. You don’t need polish. Just presence.

✧ What you’ll do?

Inside the circle, you’ll…

  • Write personal essays, letters, or poems

  • Learn the art of visual storytelling (collage, photography, aesthetic design)

  • Explore sound, silence, and self-expression

  • Reflect on identity, memory, culture, and clothing

  • Receive gentle, affirming feedback

  • End with a showcase or digital publication

✧ Who is it for?

This mentorship is for young creatives, ages 13–17, who feel called to explore storytelling in all its forms—writing, visual art, photography, journaling, zine-making, or just paying attention to the world.

We prioritize:

  • open to girls and young people, ages 13–17, who feel drawn to creativity, storytelling, and self-expression.

  • Young voices from diverse cultural, racial, and social backgrounds

  • Those who may not feel “seen” in traditional art spaces

  • Beginners welcome—no portfolio or experience required

If you’ve ever kept a diary, taken a photo that meant something, or felt like you have something to say but don’t know where to start—you belong here.

✧ What We Offer

This is a 6-week guided program rooted in:

  • Gentle creativity, not pressure or perfection

  • Community, where every voice matters

  • Mentorship, led with care, intention, and lived experience

  • Publishing opportunities, including a final showcase, zine, or feature on The Hemline Youth Press

What you’ll receive:

  • Weekly guided sessions (online, 1–1.5 hours)

  • A digital workbook full of prompts, reflection tools, and creative exercises

  • Peer sharing circles and optional one-on-one support

  • A feature of your work in our final gallery or digital issue

✧ Program Details

  • Length: 6 weeks

  • Location: Online (Zoom) or In-Person

  • Group Size: Max 10 participants

  • Schedule: Weekly sessions (Sundays or Thursdays — decided with cohort)

  • Next Session: [insert season or dates here]

  • Format: Each week focuses on a theme (e.g., Memory, Identity, Sound, Ritual, Resistance) with guided journaling, creative play, and discussion.

All participants receive:

  • A welcome email + orientation guide

  • A curated playlist and journal prompts

  • Encouragement, not critique

✧ How to Apply

Applications open [insert month or season]. We ask a few short questions to get to know you—no resume, no grades, no stress.

Apply if you:

  • Are curious about self-expression

  • Want to grow in community

  • Are open to reflection and creativity

  • Can commit to showing up each week with care

[Apply Now]

💭 Not sure if it’s for you? That’s okay. Apply anyway. You don’t need to be confident—you just need to be curious.

FAQs

  • The Youth Studio is a branch of The Hemline, a digital storytelling platform dedicated to reflection, style, and self-expression. Through mentorships, youth-led journalism, and creative projects, we provide safe, affirming spaces for young people (ages 13–17) to develop their voice, artistic confidence, and cultural awareness.

  • All mentorships and editorial programs are designed and facilitated by adults with experience in creative education, media, youth work, and trauma-informed practice. We prioritize emotional safety, empowerment, and creativity over competition or critique.

  • Currently, all mentorship sessions and editorial meetings are held online via Zoom to ensure accessibility for youth across the U.S. and internationally.

  • Depending on the offering, youth will:

    • Participate in weekly creative sessions

    • Engage with visual and written prompts

    • Share their ideas, art, and reflections in a group setting

    • Learn about self-expression through media, memory, and style

    • Have the opportunity to publish their work (with permission)

  • Only with consent. All contributors (and their guardians, if under 18) are asked for clear permission before any work is published on The Hemline Youth Press or shared in showcases. We also allow anonymous submissions and work closely with youth to ensure they feel safe about what they share.

    • A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access

    • Zoom access (free)

    • A journal or notebook

    • Optional: art supplies, camera, or Canva account for visual work (we’ll guide them)

    • Follow us on Instagram for updates and student showcases

    • Reach out directly if you’d like to recommend a student or collaborate with your school or org

Still have questions?

We’re happy to connect. Email us directly at hello@the-hemline.com with questions, ideas, or collaboration inquiries.