Storytelling for Change

Connecting U.S Students to the Middle East and North Africa

iEARN-USA is among the selected nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and schools to receive funding to run virtual exchange programs that connect young people in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. iEARN-USA’s Storytelling for Change builds leaders by engaging Algerian, Tunisian, and American youth to create and exchange stories about real world issues in their local communities.

Better Communication Through Storytelling

Storytelling for Change is implemented by iEARN-USA and is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute.

iEARN-USA’s Storytelling for Change encourages participants to use storytelling to explore and better understand issues in their own communities and around the world. High school-aged youth from Algeria, Tunisia, and the United States collaborate with international partners through virtual exchange as they choose a local or worldwide issue and examine their personal connections to it. Participants learn a range of storytelling, communication, and technical skills through media analysis and hands-on audiovisual assignments. By developing a deeper understanding of issues from different perspectives, participants ultimately create a more prosperous society and become future leaders.

Get Involved

Why is Virtual Exchange Important?

  • Life-Changing Opportunities – Students gain experiences that can shape their future and broaden their perspectives.
  • Builds 21st-Century and career-ready skills – Strengthens communication, digital literacy, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities that prepare youth for success in the workforce.
  • Promotes real-world application of learning – Gives students opportunities to address community issues through storytelling, helping them connect classroom knowledge to future goals.

About Storytelling for Change

This program focuses on the power of storytelling to create change by helping participants share their perspectives and address real-world issues in their communities.

  • Who Can Join: High School classes from Algeria, Tunisia, and the United States
  • Duration: 7-week virtual exchange program
  • Activities:
    • Bi-Weekly Live Synchronous Classes – Every other week students will participate in a live class with international peers. They will get to know each other, provide feedback, and support each other with project work.
    • Project Work – Students choose a local issue, explore their connections to it, and create a 90-second film sharing the importance of this issue.

Program Goals

  • Develop Skills: Students enhance their skills in storytelling, communication, and technical abilities.
  • Storytelling for impact: Students use storytelling to articulate ideas, raise awareness about real-world issues, and think of solutions.
  • Civic Engagement and Leadership: The program encourages students to take meaningful action in their communities, fostering leadership and responsibility.

Program Impact

  • 2,200 students: By June 2026, 2,200 students will have participated in the program.
  • 3 countries: Storytelling for Social Change is implemented in the United States, Algeria, and Tunisia, fostering a diverse learning environment that brings together students from different cultural backgrounds.
  • 42 hours of educational content: Each cohort engages with 10.5 hours of educational content designed to equip students with new knowledge and skills.

Testimonials from Our Teacher Training Sessions (Algeria, Tunisia, and USA)

The training was so important and fruitful. I enjoyed being among an amazing and professional team. I got a clearer idea and understood what the project was about. I also lived experiences that the students will go through and could expect their feelings, reactions… I definitely enjoyed working in pairs and within a great ambitious team. Thank you very much for allowing us this precious opportunity and hope we will do a great job together.
The training was sincerely highly inspirational, motivating, & most of all full of humour. We’re grateful to you all & a big thank you for the professional trainers and for the promising trainees.
The training was great. I enjoyed learning actively and sharing with team members . I’m sure that our students will enjoy it too.

FAQ

Who can participate?
The program is open to any U.S. high school classes. Preference is for schools that are located in the Eastern or Central time zones.
How long is the program?
The program is seven weeks long. 
What are the school commitments?
Schools must commit to:

    • Recruiting at least 25 students
    • Dedicate 1 – 1.5 hours of class time to the program each week
    • Provide 1:1 technology for participating students
    • Participate in educator training sessions
    • Support students with completing assignments
    • Meet with the project facilitator at least three times during the exchange
Is there a cost?
This is a fully-funded program. Selected schools do not pay to participate. 
How are the live sessions organized?

Students will join a total of 4 live sessions. The sessions focus on breakout rooms, where students have the opportunity to connect in a small group setting. Each session is led by a trained and experienced facilitator.

Our Partners

The Stevens Initiative

The Stevens Initiative is an international leader in virtual exchange, which brings young people from diverse places together to collaborate and connect through everyday technology. Created in 2015 as a lasting tribute to Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, the Initiative invests in virtual exchange programs; shares research, resources, and promising practices to improve impact; and advocates for broader adoption.

T-EARN Bizerta

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iEARN Algeria

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Inquiry - Storytelling for Social Change

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