Grants for Young filmmakers
OK2BX Foundation provides grants to help young filmmakers pursue their craft and tell the stories only they can tell. Grant support may help cover the cost of equipment, education, training, and other resources that make filmmaking more accessible.
Tell the story only you can tell.
Resources for young creators building films with courage, creativity, kindness, diversity, and inclusivity.
Access opens the door to voice.
Through these grants, OK2BX aims to lift youth voices and encourage creativity rooted in kindness, diversity, and inclusivity.
Funding that helps student stories move from idea to screen.
We support young people who have demonstrated leadership in these areas and who have plans to continue promoting DEI in their life. The OK2BX Foundation awards grants to students who meet the following Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidate must plan to pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university, or a vocational certificate through an accredited program.
- Candidate should submit an essay demonstrating leadership in diversity and inclusion including any plans to continue supporting these themes in the future. Essay should be as detailed as possible but should not exceed 250 words.
- Candidate should explain how funds will be used.
- Candidate should submit one recommendation from a non-family member who has knowledge of the candidate’s contributions in the areas of diversity and inclusion.
- Candidate must be either 1) a graduating high school senior or 2) a 1st year student pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university, or a vocational certificate through an accredited program.
More access. More stories. More extraordinary voices.
Young filmmakers often have the vision before they have the resources. OK2BX grants help bridge that gap so students can create, learn, and share work that builds empathy and connection.
Lift Youth Voices
Support high school storytellers with meaningful creative ambition.
Remove Barriers
Help offset equipment, education, and production-related costs.
Build the Future
Create a stronger pipeline for student filmmakers and future creative leaders.
Champion Inclusion
Encourage stories rooted in diversity, kindness, empathy, and belonging.
Celebrate the students already making an impact.
Kennedy is a 2023 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts in Dallas TX. Kennedy plans to pursue a dual major in Film and Political Science at Columbia University. Kennedy takes initiative to create art that makes others feel represented and has created content that brings awareness to topics specific to inclusivity. During high school she directed a documentary short film about her brother and the basketball team he is a part of which was exclusively comprised of high schoolers with special needs. She also wrote a play that explored challenges faced by black women working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.
Brooke is a 2023 graduate of the School for the Gifted and Talented in Dallas TX. She will attend the University of Texas seeking a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Neuroscience with further plans to become an MD. During high school, Brooke worked at a camp for kids with autism. While there she realized that there was a lack of opportunities for teens with autism when it comes to socializing and stereotypical “teen” activities, leaving these teens unable to find new experiences and opportunities for activities as they grew older.
Zariyah is a 2023 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts in Dallas TX. Zariyah’s plan is to pursue artistic endeavors including acting, filmmaking and directing at Southern Methodist University with the goal of leveling the playing field for communities of color. By producing insightful, creative, diverse and inclusive projects she hopes to build upon her theatrical roots and her commitment to the African-American artistic experience.
Breanna Ross graduated from the School of Science and Engineering at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center in Dallas and attends the University of North Texas for Environmental Science. She is someone who people trust and know they can always count on for support. She implemented a “Mental Health Guide” that allows students at her school to anonymously submit writing or artwork relating to mental health, LGTBQ+, POC, or neurodivergent experiences for other students to anonymously view.
Grace is a 2023 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts in Dallas TX. Grace will attend Chapman University. During middle school and high school, Grace focused on the mental health struggles of overlooked groups and helped them find resources and a safe place to know that they were not alone. She created a website full of resources, testimonials, book recommendations, global culture, legislature, and much more for LGBTQIA+ teens to have a safe space to grow in their identities.
Kristi Lee graduated from Booker T. Washington HSPVA and attends the University of Texas at Austin. A teacher once described her as “one of those rare students with true emotional intelligence. She’s not just bright, she’s funny, she’s kind, she has an innate sense of social justice, and she has one of those interpersonal “sixth senses” that puts her fellow students at ease.