American Creed and KQED Youth Media Challenge
What motivates youth to turn idealism into action? The American Creed initiative invites students to explore America’s foundational ideals and consider what inspires them in their own communities.
American Creed
American Creed invites students to explore their relationship with America’s foundational ideals. Since 2018, students around the country have been discussing American Creed videos (streaming on PBS LearningMedia) in class, with curricular support from the National Writing Project. Through 2026, new videos and photo essays, published regularly to PBS LearningMedia, express the perspectives of young leaders who address what they see as the biggest challenges facing their own communities and the nation.
Curriculum Connection
Students throughout the nation are invited to participate in the American Creed public media project. Participants compose their own storytelling media and learn from the perspectives of others. Student stories exploring foundational American ideals and how idealism can be turned into action in their own communities will be published to KQED’s national Youth Media Challenge publishing platform, creating a national dialogue promoted by partnering local PBS stations around the country.
Submitting Projects
For Students
How to Submit Your Project
When you are ready to submit your American Creed story, click the “Submit Project” button above. Make sure you have your submission code from your teacher.
Resources for Students
For Educators
Sign Up for an Account
When your students are ready to submit their American Creed projects, sign up for a KQED Youth Media account by clicking “Teacher: Login” in the header on this page. Once you have signed up, you will get a submission code to share with your students so they can submit their projects.
Resources for Educators
Explore the American Creed Teacher Toolkit for a project overview, quick start guide, and project resources.