E4 Youth Helps Young Creatives Tell Stories That Matter

Austin Social Impact News is produced by Grateful Giving, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tech startup focused on transforming every purchase into a force for good.

In East Austin, a nonprofit is helping young people build digital skills and preserve local history at the same time. E4 Youth, a nonprofit founded by educator and technologist Carl Settles Jr., is using storytelling to bridge the past and future for the next generation of creatives.

The organization’s latest initiative, What Once Was, brings together augmented reality and oral histories to document and honor the experiences of Black and brown residents whose stories are often overlooked. Using technology, students have created immersive digital exhibits that reveal the cultural and personal history behind local landmarks and neighborhoods.

One exhibit explores Rosewood Courts, a public housing complex with deep roots in Austin’s Black community. Another showcases Victory Grill, a historic music venue that was once a stop for legendary artists during segregation. These projects aren’t just history lessons—they’re training grounds for real-world creative and technical skills.

Participants in What Once Was learn to gather interviews, write scripts, record audio, design visuals, and build interactive AR content. Many are high school or college students from underrepresented backgrounds who may not otherwise have access to these types of professional development opportunities.

For Settles, this work is about more than career pipelines. It’s about identity, access, and belonging. By helping young people see their culture and contributions reflected in the world around them, E4 Youth gives them a sense of purpose that’s often missing in traditional classrooms.

Founded in 2009, E4 Youth focuses on preparing young people for careers in creative industries like advertising, film, design, and tech. Through mentorships, internships, and experiential learning, the organization connects students to pathways that build both income and impact.

For residents of the greater Austin area, projects like What Once Was offer a powerful example of what happens when education meets innovation. It’s not just about preserving the past—it’s about shaping a future that includes more voices, more opportunities, and more young people who know that their stories matter.

To explore the project or support E4 Youth’s mission, visit e4youth.org.

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