Celebrating a Summer of Creativity at KOO Labs

Summer is one of our favorite times of year because if you walk into KOO Labs, you'll find every room buzzing with creativity. Our animation, fashion, music production, and video production studios are filled with young people collaborating, creating, and discovering what's possible when they have the space, tools, and mentorship to bring their ideas to life.

At Kingmakers of Oakland, KOO Labs is more than an arts program. It is a place where young people build confidence, develop career-ready creative skills, and learn to tell their own stories. Throughout the summer, our students have been designing clothing collections, producing original music, animating films, writing and editing videos, and transforming their ideas into powerful works of art. Guided by culturally responsive mentors and our Crowns Curriculum, they have spent the season sharpening their talents while stepping into their power as creators, entrepreneurs, and storytellers.

Now it is time to celebrate everything they have accomplished.

Join us for the KOO Labs Academies Summer Showcase: Crowned Creators on Wednesday, July 9, at Merritt College for an unforgettable evening celebrating the brilliance, creativity, and vision of our youth.

Experience an interactive showcase featuring:

• 🎨 Original student-created animations

• 🎵 A music listening station with original beats and songs

• 🎬 Powerful short films and video screenings

• 🧥 A fashion line launch and runway show featuring original designs from our student fashion creators

This event is also an opportunity to connect with the Kingmakers of Oakland community. Meet our KOO Labs facilitators, learn about our transformative afterschool programs, explore our Crowns Curriculum, and sign up for future KOO Labs cohorts.

Bring your family, bring your friends, and help us pack the room as we celebrate our young creators and remind them that their village stands proudly behind them!