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Completed FieldTrip · Documentary storytelling & digital influence

Completed · 9 schools

Influence The Future

More than likes and followers: this premium on-site experience helps students discover the power of personal branding and digital storytelling. On camera, behind the scenes, and in their own words — students leave with a stronger sense of who they are and how to use their voice.

Personal brandingDigital storytellingOn-camera confidenceDocumentary filmIntroduction video
Tools & formats: Short-form videoPhoto storytellingPresentation practicePeer feedback circles
9 Partner schools hosted
1,000+ Students reached
1 Documentary film
100% On-site at schools

Proof of what FieldTrip can do

Influence The Future is our flagship completed experience — a full-day, documentary-style FieldTrip that brings professional storytelling into the school day. We have run it at nine partner schools with standing-room energy, student films worth sharing, and feedback from teachers and families who saw confidence click in real time.

  • Students craft a personal brand narrative and produce a short digital story
  • Professional talent-agency facilitators co-lead with school staff
  • Every trip captured on film — watch the documentary below
  • Schools choose what gets shared beyond the classroom

Watch the documentary

See it for yourself

On camera, on stage, and behind the scenes — this is Influence The Future as it happened across nine partner schools. Press play and feel why families, teachers, and sponsors are all in.

Watch the film — “Influence the Future”

Program Overview

Influence The Future reframes “influence” as impact — not vanity metrics. Students explore identity, values, and audience as they build confidence on camera and collaborate behind the scenes. The experience is high-energy, hands-on, and designed to spark creative risk-taking in a single unforgettable day.

Student deliverables
  • A personal brand statement and visual mood board
  • One short digital story (60–90 seconds) on a topic they care about
  • An introduction video and reflection on how they want to show up in the world

Quick Facts

Grades
5–12
Duration
~2.5–3 hours
Group size
20–60 students
Facilitation
FieldTrip + talent partners + school staff
Teams
Pairs or triads for feedback

Content and pacing adapt for upper elementary through high school.

Students during an Influence The Future FieldTrip

Facilitated by industry professionals

Influence The Future is co-led by representatives from a professional talent agency working in close collaboration with Wonderful Foundations. They bring real-world insight into media, entertainment, and digital content creation — while school staff supervise and anchor the experience in your campus culture.

Learning Goals

Identity & Voice

  • Articulate strengths, values, and interests
  • Practice authentic self-presentation
  • Build confidence speaking about what matters to them

Digital Literacy

  • Plan and produce a short story with intention
  • Understand audience, tone, and message
  • Navigate sharing choices responsibly

Collaboration

  • Give and receive constructive peer feedback
  • Celebrate diverse perspectives in the room
  • Support classmates as they take creative risks

Run of Show

  • Welcome + “What does influence mean to you?”
  • Brand lab: values, strengths, and audience
  • Storyboarding your digital narrative
  • Production sprint (video, photo, or hybrid)
  • Peer feedback gallery walk
  • Reflection: how I want to influence the world
  • Celebration + optional share-out

Activities

Brand Lab

Students map their interests, values, and “why” — then translate that into a personal brand snapshot (not a performance, a portrait).

  • Values card sort
  • Strengths spotlight
  • Mood board or one-pager
  • Elevator pitch practice

Story Studio

Teams plan and produce a short digital story — a passion project, community moment, or “day in my life” narrative with clear beginning, middle, and end.

  • Story arc workshop
  • Shot list + scripting
  • Capture + light edit
  • Peer critique

Responsible Influence

We talk openly about social media, privacy, and digital citizenship — helping students see influence as a responsibility, not just a follower count. Schools choose what gets shared beyond the classroom.

Ground Rules

  • Consent before filming others
  • No pressure to post publicly
  • Kind, specific feedback only

Discussion Prompts

  • Who is your story for — and why?
  • What would you never post, and why?
  • How can you use your voice for good?

What schools saw

Across nine campuses, the pattern was consistent: students who started the day hesitant ended it proud — with a video, a story, and language for who they are becoming.

  • Confidence on camera and in front of peers
  • Clearer personal brand and communication skills
  • Authentic student stories schools could showcase
  • Teacher and parent buzz that lasted well past the visit
  • Documentary proof sponsors and donors can see

Student & educator voices

Stories that stuck

"I always thought “influencer” meant being famous. This trip helped me realize I can influence people just by sharing what I care about — my art, my neighborhood, my little brother."

Maya 7th grader

"We had kids who never volunteer to speak up fighting for time at the mic. By the end they were coaching each other on eye contact and story structure."

Middle school teacher Partner school educator

"The burst of confidence when something just clicked — stories we still tell at dinner. It felt bigger than a normal field trip."

FieldTrip parent After Influence The Future

FAQ

Can we still request Influence The Future?

This experience has completed its initial run at nine partner schools. Bring FieldTrip to your campus to express interest in future storytelling experiences — or support Design The Future and Positive Connection launching now.

Do students need their own social media accounts?

No. The focus is storytelling and personal brand skills. Any sharing beyond the classroom is optional and school-guided.

What devices are required?

One device per pair is ideal (phone or tablet). We can adapt with shared school devices or a photo-only track.

How is this different from a media class?

Influence The Future is a single immersive FieldTrip — high energy, hands-on, and designed to spark confidence in one memorable day with professional facilitation.

Keep the momentum going

Influence The Future proved what’s possible. Help us launch Design The Future and Positive Connection — or raise your hand to bring FieldTrip back to your school.

Bring FieldTrip to my school

Tell us about your students, dates, and goals — we’ll follow up on upcoming experiences.

Register interest

Fund what’s next

Design The Future and Positive Connection are fundraising now. Your gift turns proof into progress.

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