Folk Culture is the study of the art and traditions that shape everyday life—from music, food and style to stories. In the Dr. Beverly J. Robinson Community Folk Culture Program, student interns celebrate heritage by learning from the past and present to understand similarities and appreciate differences.
Ages: 14 – 21
Levels: Beginner through advanced
Sessions: Summer, Fall-Spring
WHAT WE OFFER
In this internship-based program, students learn to document and share folk traditions through hands-on media and storytelling work. Interns learn how to:
- Research, interview and archive master artists and culture bearers
- Video production and editing
- Present artist stories to wider public
- Build a portfolio of completed work
Field trips and partnering organizations have included The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, Bronx Music Heritage Center, City Lore, Los Herederos and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
Program timeline: Selected interns participate in a six week summer intensive during July and August, with the opportunity to continue joined by a second cohort of interns throughout the school year.
Cost: This program is FREE. Participation stipends are offered for qualifying interns.
Folk Culture isn’t just a subject, it’s life. Young people like us should learn Folk Culture, because it connects us with things that go on around us, and it can change our perspective about other people's culture and our own, too. —Branyel, Intern
READY TO BEGIN?
Whether you or your child is eager to explore heritage, develop storytelling skills or build a portfolio through hands-on media work, Mind-Builders offers a meaningful path forward.
Note: Summer 2026 Folk Culture application deadline is April 13, 2026.
The Dr. Beverly J. Robinson Community Folk Culture Program is supported in part by public funds from:
