E2AC U: Social Impact Film Fellowship
Join a national network of student changemakers devoted to producing films for good in their local community.
Thanks to our collaboration with Delta Kappa Alpha and various universities, E2AC Social Impact Fellows are currently located across 15 college campuses nationwide and growing.
Ready to become an official E2AC Fellow?
Applications have been extended until May 8th for select universities, including:
Clark Atlanta University
Morris Brown College
Purdue University
Spelman College
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
University of Miami (Undergrad Only)
What is the E2AC U Social Impact Film Fellowship?
Here’s what to expect.
Overview
Cohorts of 4-5 fellows on each college campus spend one academic year developing, producing, and screening a socially impactful documentary in collaboration with a local, under-resourced nonprofit and a documentary film mentor.
Fall (September to December): Story Development & Production
What goes into making a documentary, and telling a story that is not my own? Fellows kick off this program by meeting with their assigned nonprofit to come up with potential story focuses, interview subjects, and more. From there, they begin capturing B-Roll and scheduling interviews by the end of the semester.
Spring (January to April): Editing, Screening, & Impact Campaign
What happens after a film is made? Fellows spend these weeks editing a final cut, organizing a community screening, learning about distribution, and creating an impact campaign in support of the nonprofit’s mission. Stories have the power to change the world, and we want to help make that possible!
Interested in sponsoring a local student cohort and nonprofit documentary film?
Student Success Stories
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Madeline Wang, Chapman University '27
“Being a part of this fellowship was definitely one of the most fulfilling filmmaking experiences I've had in college so far. E2AC supported us through every step of the process while letting us take our own freedoms and creative liberty with story development. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet these subjects and cultivate their trust in me with their story. I would 100% recommend this opportunity to students who want to directly make a film tackling a social justice issue, as it has such a high value outcome in impact, experience, and growth as a filmmaker.”
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Emma Goldstein, Loyola Marymount University '27
“I was drawn to E2AC because of its goal to bring more awareness to global issues through storytelling, and the earnest desire to do good for the community that the organization has. I have learned so much directing my first documentary through the program, and I have gotten to meet so many amazing people whose stories I had the privilege to tell.”
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Mel Moya-Jaldin, George Mason University '26
“[This] fellowship has been instrumental in shaping both my filmmaking skills and my connection to my community. What has been most meaningful to me is the opportunity to build relationships within my community that I wouldn’t have formed otherwise.
Collaborating with nonprofits to amplify their missions and support the communities they serve has been incredibly impactful. I would strongly encourage others to apply to E2AC if they are serious about developing as filmmakers and want to engage in meaningful work.”
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Gavin Clingham, University of Texas at Austin ‘27
“E2AC was an incredible experience to be a part of. Through the program, I was connected with the Brooklyn Miller Foundation and had the opportunity to help tell an incredible story. The program fit well within my schedule, and I had incredible mentors to guide me along the way. Taking this program sharpened my sense as a filmmaker.”
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Kerlin Campos, Boston University ‘26
“Seeing E2AC’s films on immigration and helping screen them at our film festival in Boston gave me more confidence to pursue this topic and want to share it with the world in my own projects. Topics like this can be controversial, but E2AC was willing to listen to and share their important stories, which inspired me in many ways.”
After helping to plan E2AC’s Social Impact Film Festival, Kerlin joined the Student Program Committee with the goal of enhancing university and student partnerships across the country. Currently, she is writing and directing her thesis film on immigration, inspired by the films she saw and supported while interning with E2AC.
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Aryaman Kantawala, George Mason University '28
"Learning about childhood cancer was very eye-opening to the lifelong struggles that the families undergo, and I learned a lot more about how critical our nonprofit was to our area. I'm glad that my work had the opportunity of a tangible impact in my community and the nonprofit was very gracious!
E2AC was very flexible and supportive of my team during our journey! They connected us with a professional filmmaker and were able to communicate with the nonprofits to accommodate for our busy schedules!"
Nonprofit Success Stories
“We had an incredible experience working with the GMU student team on this documentary project. From start to finish, the students demonstrated professionalism, creativity, and a genuine commitment to understanding and representing our mission at DC Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation.
They took the time to connect with our families, listen to their stories, and translate those experiences into a powerful and compassionate film. The final documentary exceeded our expectations! It was not only beautifully produced, but it also captured the heart of our work in a way that feels authentic and deeply moving.
We showcased the video at last month's fundraiser, our Casino Night, and it has already proven to be a valuable tool for raising awareness, engaging supporters, and helping others better understand the impact of childhood cancer on families in our community.
This collaboration has strengthened our storytelling capabilities and will continue to support our outreach, donor engagement, and volunteer recruitment efforts. We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and talented group of students.”
~ Sheri Schaffer, DC Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation
“The student team has been a joy to work with, from first contact to recent filming session. They’re very skilled, organized, and respectful of the stories we’re sharing with them. Children’s cancer and our personal journeys can be difficult to share and take in; these young filmmakers have made us comfortable at every step and have gone above and beyond to create a film that captures all the emotions, memories and hope.
I can’t say enough about the team and each member and, importantly, this project you’re creating for all parties involved. This film has been a gift to us and our organization, NANT. We are so grateful to E2AC for initiating the project and reaching us through CAC2. However it all came about, it has been worth it, ten times over.
As a college-student parent (oddly, my cancer surviving daughter is a senior at LMU), cancer mom, and advocate for NANT, I hope you realize what a fabulous opportunity you’ve created with these student film projects. The film students are learning about our cause and we are excited to anticipate how we might utilize the product in our marketing and fundraising efforts. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
~ Susan Giusto, New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT)
FAQs
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Our program offers quality results and opportunities, including:
Funding for your documentary
Guaranteed distribution on our streaming channel
10-15 minute documentary film for your portfolio
Mentor in the film industry local to your area
Meaningful impact within your local community
Experienced guest speakers ready to share their wisdom and advice
Internship/elective college credit (check with your university first)
Become part of our lifelong alumni network
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We are always looking to expand, or provide other learning and industry experiences to students anywhere! Reach out to us at alex@e2ac.org to see how you can get involved today!
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We are always looking for nonprofits to create content for. Email us at alex@e2ac.org to learn more - we would love to work with you!
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None of this is possible without the funding to make it happen! Your donation goes toward:
Student Film Production Costs
Screening Venues
Film Festival Submissions
Professional Development Opportunities
Local, Experienced Film Mentors
Fellowship Program Delivery
Email us at alex@e2ac.org if you are interested in supporting any of our current or future cohort at a college near you!
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We are always in need of guest speakers for a variety of topics in the documentary filmmaking and social justice, social impact, and nonprofit sectors. Each team of students also receives a local mentor in the film industry, so email us at alex@e2ac.org if either of these opportunities interests you!
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Let’s chat! Whether it’s providing course credit to students, helping secure a local screening venue for the documentary, or providing students with access to university equipment, we would love your support! Email us at alex@e2ac.org today.