🎨 KOOLabs Academy Is Back! Creative Training for Black Male Youth in West Oakland

We’re excited to announce that KOOLabs Academy is back for the 2025 season! From September 8th to May 15th, students will have the opportunity to dive deep into one of four creative disciplines: Fashion Design, Animation, Music Production, or Media Production.

This is more than just an afterschool program—it’s an entry point into the world of professional creative work. Hosted at the KOOLabs Design Center and Production House in the heart of West Oakland, students will learn from industry-level professionals and gain hands-on experience working on real-world projects.

KOOLabs Academy meets twice a week from 4PM to 6PM, and families can choose between:

  • Monday/Wednesday cohort, or

  • Tuesday/Thursday cohort

Each pathway is designed to introduce students to cutting-edge tools, creative techniques, and collaborative workflows that prepare them for college, careers, or entrepreneurial journeys in the creative industries. Whether your student dreams of launching their own fashion line, animating characters, producing beats, or directing videos—we’ve got a space for them.

📽️ Check out our highlight video from last season to get a feel for the energy, creativity, and community at KOOLabs Academy.

Link to video 

Spots are limited and demand is high, so we encourage students and families to sign up as soon as possible.

REGISTER HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelr2yuTtWe-OZ6UK9HBzECFtnNmV1UDZpjptncNRLitHhwJg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104881979176781242432

Join a movement that’s building skills, confidence, and cultural power—right here in Oakland.

For questions or more information, reach out to jahi@kingmakersofoakland.org.