New York Fellows Program

The Ghetto Film School New York Fellows Program is a free, multi-year filmmaking course for high school students in New York City, run by the nonprofit Ghetto Film School (GFS). The program lasts 20 months and covers both filmmaking and creative producing. Fellows learn from working media makers and industry experts. They visit live film sets and studios during the program. Fellows premiere their films at theaters and travel abroad to make an original thesis film. Beyond film training, GFS helps Fellows with college application advising and test prep. The program also connects Fellows with opportunities at media and creative companies to help them enter the industry. There is no cost to participate. Ghetto Film School was founded in 2000 and also runs Fellows programs in Los Angeles and London.

Incoming applicants are between the ages of 14 and 18. No prior filmmaking experience is required. Applications for the 2026 New York cohort closed on May 18, 2026. The official program page says applications will reopen in January, and students can join the GFS mailing list to hear when the next application opens.