Penn State professor looking for Bellefonte students to work on digital storytelling project that features Bellefonte

#IAmDowntownBellefonte

That’s the hashtag created by Penn State professor and Bellefonte resident Renea Nichols as part of a digital storytelling project she created that promotes Bellefonte, and is looking to work with local students to help with the initiative.

“I love this charming community and really want to help promote it,” Nichols said in an email. “I received a small grant from my college, Bellisario College of Communications, to do just that. I want to work with teens to get them involved because there is often not much for them to do in the summer -- and they are the future of this community.”

Nichols is hosting a free five-week summer workshop held right in downtown Bellefonte to teach teens about digital storytelling. The teens will interview, photograph, video and write stories about Bellefonte business owners and residents – similar to a "Humans of New York"-type vibe, she said. Student participants will likely work a few hours a week starting July 9 and can earn community service hours. Snacks and a T-shirt will be provided, and parent/guardian permission is requited.

To be eligible, students must live in Bellefonte and have an eagerness to learn more about digital storytelling. Deadline to enroll is June 20. Preregistration link: Preregistration. For more information, contact Nichols at rdn11@psu.edu.