Knox Pop Creators AcademyLead Now.Not Someday.
Most youth programs prepare you for future leadership. We give you real projects, real audiences, real impactโstarting week one.
About Knox Pop Creators Academy
Knox Pop Creators Academy (KPCA) is a free 12-week youth leadership program in Knoxville, Tennessee for ages 13-24. Participants choose from 8 specialized tracksโevent planning, nonprofit leadership, media creation, performance arts, choreography, cultural education, content creation, and community outreach. Unlike programs that simulate leadership, KPCA's "Sole Executioner" philosophy means participants execute real projects: events attended by 150+ people, media campaigns reaching thousands, and initiatives addressing real community needs.
The program integrates Korean and Japanese cultural philosophy with practical Western skills, developing culturally-grounded leaders ready to make an impact. Operated by Knox Pop Con, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 33-4120670). Apply at knoxpopcon.love/programs/youth/apply.
Start Your Application โYou're Not Learning About Leadership.
You're Executing It.
Imagine telling a 15-year-old: "You're not going to learn about event planning. You're going to PLAN an actual event that 150 people attend."
That's Knox Pop Creators Academy.
Other Programs
- Learn about event planning
- Study nonprofit management
- Practice media creation
- Prepare for future leadership
Knox Pop Creators Academy
- Plan an event 150+ people attend
- Pitch to real board members
- Create campaigns reaching thousands
- Execute leadership NOW
What You'll Walk Away With
Every participant leaves KPCA with tangible proof of what they can doโnot hypothetical exercises, but real work.
A Professional Portfolio Piece
Your capstone projectโwhether it's an event plan, media campaign, or nonprofit pitchโbecomes a portfolio piece you can use for college applications, internships, and job interviews.
Leadership Certificate
An official Knox Pop Creators Academy Leadership Certificate recognizing 36 hours of hands-on training, mentorship, and project execution.
Mentor Connections
Work directly with professionals in your trackโevent planners, nonprofit leaders, media creators, and performers who guide you through real challenges.
Real-World Experience
Not a simulation. Your project reaches real audiences, serves real communities, and creates real impact you can point to and say: "I did that."
What You'll Actually Create
Every track culminates in a real project with real impact. Here's what our participants will build.
A Live Community Event
Plan and produce a POPtivity event from scratchโtheme, budget, vendors, promotionโattended by real community members.
Event Creator TrackA Nonprofit Pitch Deck
Develop a complete nonprofit concept with mission, budget, and grant strategyโthen pitch it to real board members.
Nonprofit Founder TrackA Social Media Campaign
Create and run a multi-platform media campaign with real analytics, reaching actual audiences in the community.
Media Creator TrackA Live Performance
Develop and perform an original piece at a community eventโbuilding stage presence, branding, and professional credits.
Artist/Performer TrackOriginal Choreography
Choreograph an original piece and teach it to real studentsโlearning pedagogy and studio management along the way.
Choreographer TrackA Cultural Workshop
Design and facilitate a cultural education workshop for the communityโa curriculum you can take anywhere.
Bridge Builder TrackA Creator Strategy
Build an authentic personal brand with content strategy, audience engagement plan, and monetization roadmap.
Idols/Creators TrackSchool & Library Presentations
Develop Asian culture presentations for schools and librariesโcurriculum design, public speaking, and institutional partnerships.
Outreach Leader TrackChoose Your Path
Each track offers 12 weeks of expert instruction, real project execution, and a portfolio piece that proves what you can do.
Future Event Creator
From concept to 150+ attendees
Plan and execute an actual POPtivity monthly event from concept to completion. You won't learn ABOUT eventsโyou'll CREATE one that hundreds attend.
Skills You'll Master
- โTheme Development
- โBudget Management
- โVendor Coordination
- โProduction Logistics
Your Outcome
Your event. Your vision. Real attendees.
Career Pathways
12 Weeks to Real Results
From foundation to executionโevery week builds toward your capstone project.
Foundation
Core concepts, cultural philosophy, team formation, and project brainstorming with expert guidance.
Skill Building
Deep technical training in your track with hands-on exercises, feedback loops, and mentor sessions.
Development
Build your real project with dedicated mentor support, peer collaboration, and iterative refinement.
Execution
Launch your project to real audiences. Present, perform, or publish your work to the community.
Leadership Rooted in Heritage
Every track integrates Korean and Japanese cultural philosophy with practical Western skills. These aren't add-onsโthey're foundational to how we develop leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
No experience requiredโonly enthusiasm and commitment. Each track is designed to take you from beginner to practitioner in 12 weeks.
Yes, completely free. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we believe cost should never be a barrier. All materials, mentorship, and certification included.
3 hours per week for 12 weeks, plus independent project work. Sessions are scheduled to accommodate school schedules.
Absolutely. You'll complete a real capstone project that becomes a portfolio piece for applicationsโcolleges value hands-on leadership experience over hypothetical exercises.
Each track is led by working professionalsโevent planners who've run major festivals, nonprofit leaders with decades of experience, professional performers and creators.
KPCA members help run Knox Pop Con 2026! Put your skills to work at Bridgewater Place on May 2, 2026. See the festival details
The Next Generation of Leaders is Already Leading
Somewhere right now, there's a young person with ideas, passion, and potential waiting for the chance to prove what they can do. If that's youโor someone you knowโ KPCA is where potential becomes proof.
Applications are open. Your project is waiting.
Invest in the Next Generation
Knox Pop Creators Academy transforms livesโbut we can't do it alone. Sponsors and donors make it possible to keep KPCA free for every participant.