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Nonprofit creative mentorship

Expanding access to creativity, mentorship, and community.

Aurelia Scholars helps students build confidence through creative workshops, mentor support, and welcoming spaces designed for exploration and growth.

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Our approach

Programs that help students feel supported, capable, and welcomed into creative community.

Students working together in a workshop

No prior experience needed. Just curiosity, openness, and a willingness to show up.

Our belief

Every student deserves a space where their voice and creativity are taken seriously.

Aurelia Scholars was built around the idea that access to mentorship and creative community should not depend on connections, money, or prior experience.

Student focused on creative work
Student-centered Mentor-supported Community-based Accessible by design Built to grow
About

We believe creativity can open doors to confidence, connection, and opportunity.

Through workshops, mentor circles, and community-centered programming, we help students engage with creativity in a way that feels accessible, encouraging, and structured enough to grow with them.

Creative workshops

Hands-on sessions centered on exploration, communication, and confidence.

Mentor circles

Small group spaces that make room for reflection, support, and practical guidance.

Community showcases

Opportunities to celebrate student work and create a visible sense of belonging.

Programs

A nonprofit model built around access, mentorship, and steady growth.

Designed as a warm, repeatable community offering that begins with a pilot and grows over time.

Program

Creative Workshops

Guided sessions that use art-making as a way to build confidence, expression, and connection.

Program

Mentor Circles

Small group conversations with mentors who offer encouragement, perspective, and practical support.

Program

Student Showcases

Thoughtful opportunities to celebrate work publicly and help students feel recognized in community.

Students collaborating at a table
How It Works

What actually happens in a session.

If you have never been to a creative workshop before, here is exactly what to expect. Sessions are structured to feel welcoming from the first minute.

Opening

Welcome & warm-up

Sessions begin with a low-pressure activity so students can ease in without feeling put on the spot.

Core

Guided creative work

A mentor leads the group through a hands-on project. The focus is on exploration, not results. No prior skill required.

Reflection

Share & connect

Students have the option to share what they made or thought about. Sharing is always voluntary.

Close

Wrap-up & next steps

Each session closes with a brief check-in. Students leave knowing what to expect and feeling like they belong.

Good to know

Sessions run 60–90 minutes in small groups of 8–12 students. You will always know what to bring and what to expect. No surprises.

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How to Apply

A clear, simple process for joining Aurelia Scholars.

We want the application process to feel welcoming and straightforward. Students do not need extensive experience to apply.

Step 1

Submit an application

Share a few details about your interests, background, and why you would like to join.

Step 2

Short review

Our team reviews each application with a focus on curiosity, commitment, and fit.

Step 3

Conversation

Selected applicants are invited to a short conversation so we can learn more about their goals.

Step 4

Enrollment

Accepted students receive program details, session dates, and onboarding information.

Application details
  • Open to students interested in creativity, mentorship, and community-based learning.
  • No advanced portfolio or prior experience is required.
  • Applicants may be asked to answer a few short reflection questions.
  • Program spots are limited to keep sessions thoughtful and supportive.
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Student completing an application
Application form

Begin your application

Connect this section to a Typeform, Google Form, or Airtable form when ready. Or use this as a starting point.

FAQ

Common questions, answered.

If something is not covered here, you are always welcome to reach out directly.

Is Aurelia Scholars free to participate in?

Yes. The program is free for all accepted students. Our goal is to remove cost as a barrier to creative mentorship and community.

Do I need prior experience in art or creative work?

Not at all. The program is designed for students at all experience levels. Curiosity and willingness to engage are the only things we are looking for.

How much time does the program require?

Students typically commit to one workshop session per week, plus optional mentor circle check-ins. We are respectful of busy schedules and communicate dates well in advance.

Who are the mentors?

Mentors are adults with backgrounds in creative fields, education, or community work who volunteer their time to support students. All mentors go through a review process before working with participants.

What age range is the program for?

Aurelia Scholars is currently open to students in secondary school and early college. If you are unsure whether you qualify, feel free to reach out and we will let you know.

Can I apply if I am unsure about my availability?

We encourage you to apply and be honest about your availability. Program spots are limited, so we want to make sure students who join can get the most out of the experience.

Stay informed

Not ready to apply yet? That is completely fine.

Leave your email and we will let you know when new sessions open, share updates about the program, and give you time to decide when it feels right.

Our Mission

Starting with intention, building with care.

The first version of this initiative begins with a workshop model that can expand into recurring sessions, a mentor network, and future student showcases.

Student reading and writing at a workshop table
What we are building toward

A place where every student who walks in leaves feeling like they belong in a creative space.

Why it matters

When students experience creativity in a supportive environment, they are more likely to participate, share their work, and see themselves as part of a larger community. That early sense of belonging is what this model is built to encourage.

The long view

We are building slowly and intentionally. A small, well-run program that genuinely serves students is worth more than a large one that loses sight of why it exists. As we grow, the quality of the experience for each student stays the priority.

Get involved

Help expand access to creative spaces that feel welcoming, practical, and inspiring.

Partner with us, volunteer as a mentor, or support future workshops for students who deserve stronger access to creative opportunity and community.

Become a Mentor Support the Program