Creative Spark Fund
Step into a realm where inspiration sparks and imagination flows. From murals that speak to collective values to thought-provoking podcasts, these projects embody the voices of youth leaders making an impact.
This showcase is a celebration of their stories. Explore. Listen. Watch. Experience how these young changemakers are turning their ideas into legacies.
Uplifting Lynnfield's Youth Voice June 16, 2025 Lynnfield, Massachusetts This portable mural will be on display at various town events and locations. The physical structure was built by a Lynnfield High School (LHS) student. LHS students designed and painted the mural. The mural shows a young person raising her voice with actual phrases submitted by students on how they choose to raise their voices.
Sailing Towards a Nicotine Free World June 14, 2025 Belchertown, Massachusetts The Helping Hands student group of Belchertown High School collaborated on creating this design to support youth nicotine prevention and awareness in a creative manner. It will reach many community members as several local families, caregivers, and youth attend the town beach during the summer months.
Mental Health Matters May 30, 2025 Natick, Massachusetts Kennedy Middle School's Making Healthy Choices club sponsored a school-wide door decorating contest to raise awareness about the importance of mental health. Provided with supplies, homerooms were then invited to make the most creative and mental health positive doors. Over 30 homerooms participated in the month-long contest and at the end of May students in the club used a rubric to select the best door in each grade. The whole school was very into the contest!
Piecing Together Healthy Habits June 10th, 2025 Winthrop, Massachusetts CASA's Youth Advisory Board of 14 high school students and 360 middle school students were involved in the creation of this mural. It stands for all the youth dedicating their summer to healthy habits and learning about the effects of social media on their decisions to vape and use unhealthy substances. Three murals will be gifted to the local health department, middle school and superintendent's office.
Teens vs Tobacco Podcast Easton, Massachusetts This a series of 4 podcast episodes titled: Media Interpretation/Influence, Teen Brain Health and Tobacco, Mental Health and Tobacco, Use and Refusal Skills. The Easton Middle School 97 Health Club is a youth led club that strives to support the health of their EMS peers.
Stop Vaping! Vaping Awareness at National Public Health Week Brookline, Massachusetts Several Brookline High School peer leaders worked on a poster board and presentation on the dangers of vaping during the town of Brookline's annual celebration of National Public Health Week! They created an accompanying pamphlet that they shared to their peers. The pamphlet goes into the harms of vaping, the tactics used by the industry to hook youth, and how someone can seek help if they are vaping.
Safe Vape Disposal Project May 17, 2025 Needham, Massachusetts 20 Needham High School students participated in this project. They researched the issue, identified an opportunity and they found a way to safely dispose of flammable e-cigarettes in Needham.
This isn't a Trend; It's a Choice
Boston, MA
Professionally filmed by BD LLC Photography and Videography
This video features scenes from interactive sessions, campaign preparation, and footage submitted by the youth themselves. The participants speak candidly about the dangers of vaping and the importance of staying informed and making healthy choices. This video is a vital tool in raising awareness within often-overlooked communities, especially African immigrant and undocumented youth who face language, access, and cultural barriers in receiving accurate public health information. By centering their voices, the campaign not only spreads knowledge but also empowers young people to take ownership of their health and future.
Teens Against Tobacco
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Filmed by Dream Out Loud students and staff.
We’re proud to present Teens Against Tobacco, a youth-led project showcased during our Spring Showcase at the Dream Out Loud Center for the Arts. This initiative highlights the creative work and powerful voices of our youth as they take a stand against the vaping and tobacco industry — an industry that continues to target young people. Featuring student-designed t-shirts, posters, and comics, this video captures how our teens used art and storytelling to raise awareness and advocate for a healthier, tobacco-free future.
Got Vapes?
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Filmed by Patty Spillane and Ella Charron.
This short reel filmed by and acted by members of TEAMC Youth Group shows two older high school students approaching three friends who are middle school students to ask them to buy vapes. This is important because it shows just how easy it is for young people to obtain vapes and tabaco products. The older students entice the girls by declaring the fun flavors and that they will even give them discount in hopes they will get addicted and become repeat costumers. It shows it is not hard to obtain tobacco products at any age even when there are restrictions.