Actively Enrolling Now: KOO Labs Academy After school Program for Creative Arts
If you’re a parent, educator, or mentor looking for a powerful afterschool experience for a young Black boy in Oakland, KOO Labs Academy is now accepting applications for our next session beginning the second week of January. This is one of Kingmakers of Oakland’s most hands-on, high-impact programs, designed to surround students with creativity, community, and culturally grounded mentorship.
KOO Labs Academy is an afterschool program where students don’t just consume media, they learn to create it. Through animation, digital storytelling, fashion design, and music production, youth build real skills using industry-standard tools while being guided by experienced Black and Brown creatives and educators. It’s a space where imagination is taken seriously, artistic talent is nurtured, and students learn to bring their ideas to life.
For many families, the afterschool hours are difficult to fill with meaningful structure. KOO Labs Academy provides a safe, engaging, skill-building environment that supports both personal and academic growth. Students join production teams, take on creative leadership roles, and complete real projects that strengthen their confidence, discipline, collaboration, and creative thinking. These aren’t just fun activities, they are résumé- and portfolio-worthy experiences that help prepare youth for college and future careers in the creative arts, technology, and media.
Every student is supported, especially those who may not always see themselves represented in traditional arts spaces. KOO Labs Academy blends cultural identity with creative expression, giving Black boys a place to see their stories, heritage, and brilliance reflected in the curriculum and community. Our team pushes students to stretch their creative voice while grounding them in pride, purpose, and possibility.
Throughout the session, students learn:
Animation fundamentals using iPads and Adobe Creative Cloud
Storyboarding, character design, editing, and visual storytelling
Creative problem-solving and teamwork in a studio environment
How to move from idea → plan → finished product
How to present their work and articulate their creative choices
Most importantly, students receive mentorship from adults who understand them, respect them, and believe deeply in their potential. The relationships built inside KOO Labs Academy matter just as much as the technical skills.
If you support Black youth in Oakland, whether as a parent, teacher, youth worker, or community partner, now is the time to encourage them to apply. We expect this next session to fill quickly, and once spots are gone, they’re gone.
Enrollment Details
Open to middle and high school–aged youth in the Oakland area
Afterschool program, begins second week of January
No prior experience needed
Limited spots available, so early applications strongly encouraged
KOO Labs Academy is more than an afterschool program, it’s a pathway into creativity, confidence, and community. Give your student the chance to discover what they can create when they’re supported, inspired, and surrounded by possibility.
Apply now and secure a seat for January.
Your student’s next creative chapter starts here!