May 8, 2025
We have made the difficult decision to suspend The Creator Academy (formerly the WQED Film Academy), as we navigate unprecedented threats to federal funding for the arts, education, and public broadcasting.
We have a fiduciary duty to adapt our programs to align with funding realities, community impact, and WQED’s long-term sustainability. We must be prudent with our resources while various legal challenges work through the courts.
We hope to resume youth media education as we get more clarity about past and future sources of funding. We aim to create accessible educational experiences with broad impact and equity across the region and always appreciate community input.
Feel free to contact us with questions or feedback. We are especially grateful for the kind words that students, parents, and alumni have shared about our staff and the supportive environment they fostered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What about students who signed up?
A: We have notified students and families who expressed interest in our summer session and have issued refunds on tuition deposits. Point Park University has extended a special invitation for its Summer Film and Animation programs.
Consider other media education and workforce development programs, including: 1Hood Media Academy, Arts Ed Collaborative, CreatePA: Pittsburgh Film & Theater Works, Film Pittsburgh, Fresh Films, iGeneration Youth, Manchester Craftsmens’ Guild, Saturday Light Brigade, Tech25, and the warhol: academy.
Q: Are any Creator Academy programs still available?
A: No, we will not be hosting in-person, virtual, or ‘lite’ (junior high) sessions until further notice.
Q: What about ‘on location’ engagements, where instructors visited schools and community groups?
A: We will fulfill our existing contracts. Beyond that, we’ll have conversations with current and potential partners about future program design. Let us know if you’re interested.
Q: What about Crew Connect?
A: WQED will not be hosting this event going forward. The Pittsburgh Moving Picture Festival cordially invites you to attend its Trailer Bash/Raging Pages event at the Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale: 6:00 p.m., Sunday, June 8th.
Q: What about college scholarships?
A: Applications recently submitted for Fall 2025 are being evaluated by Point Park University, Temple University, and Thiel College. Those should be awarded as planned. We will coordinate with our partners about the future of these scholarships and will update this page when more information is available.
Q: Where can I find already-completed student work?
A: Completed projects will remain accessible on the program’s Instagram page and YouTube channel. (There’s also an older Reel Teens YouTube channel, from before WQED’s acquisition.) We realize these are important for college applications and portfolios.
Q: Will there be a screening or awards ceremony from the Spring semester that concluded last week?
A: Not officially, but we’ll update students if families organize something.
Q: Can I send a message to Creator Academy staff?
A: Sure, share it here and we’ll gladly relay your message.
Q: What about other media education resources WQED has created?
A: Learning Labs: Voices from the Filmmaking World and other materials remain accessible and available. Let us know if you’re looking specific for something you can’t find.