MY HERO LAUNCHES WORKBOOK FOR STUDENT JOURNALISTS & FILMMAKERS

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Jeanne Meyers
Co-founder/Director
The MY HERO Project
[email protected]

MY HERO LAUNCHES WORKBOOK FOR STUDENT JOURNALISTS & FILMMAKERS

APRIL 14, 2025 – LAGUNA BEACH, CA - The MY HERO Project has launched a workbook aimed at inspiring student journalists and filmmakers to create, express and share their voices with the world. The MY HERO Journalism & Filmmaking Workbook, was penned by Jonah Steinhart, with a foreword by renowned global educator and author Esther Wojcicki. The book provides step-by-step instruction, and vital resources, designed to take the mystery out of making a hero-themed documentary.

Journalism and Filmmaking WorkbookMY HERO 

The MY HERO Journalism & Filmmaking Workbook explains the entire filmmaking process — from coming up with a solid concept to finding a home for the finished product. The workbook was inspired by the success of The MY HERO Project’s Media Arts Education Programs was created with generous support from The Scripps Family Impact Fund, whose commitment to advancing education in the media arts has been integral to the project. 

“You won’t just create a video,” Wojcicki explains in the workbook. “You’ll create a window into the world of someone who inspires you. You’ll share their story not just with your classmates or social media followers, but with anyone who needs a dose of courage, a glimmer of hope.”

Esther WojcickiEsther Wojcicki 

Esther Wojcicki has played a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation of journalists. She founded the Journalism Education Program, which received national acclaim, at California’s Palo Alto High School. She is, also, the author of two inspiring books that promote project-based learning and fostering independence and critical thinking skills. Wojcicki also offers the annual ‘WOJ’ Youth Reporter Award at the MY HERO International Film Festival.

Jonah Steinhart, author of The MY HERO Journalism and Filmmaking Workbook, is a former student of Wojcicki. Has received recognition as an outstanding journalism and film teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area. His passion and skill have helped make the workbook a valuable resource.

Over the years, many individuals, and leading media arts educators, and professional advisors have contributed to MY HERO’s Media Arts programs, enriching our library with diverse and impactful short films, stories, music and art. We are grateful to the talented students and generous professional filmmakers who have shared their work with our global learning community. 

Wojcicki unveiled The MY HERO Journalism and Filmmaking Workbook this month at the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, where she was a presenter. The Summit is a joint project between Arizona State University and Global Silicon Valley that brings educators and edtech experts together with investors interested in funding new educational ventures in California. 

“This is a workbook that will help you get all your students to use video to teach critical thinking skills," she said to the audience. "That’s the number one skill missing in the country today. This is an attempt to teach critical thinking skills to students using something that they all want to use. It’s called their phone.”

The MY HERO Project was launched online in 1995 with a vision of creating an oasis of inspiration on the internet. We believe that people of all ages, especially youth, benefit from sharing stories, art, music and short films that shine a light on heroes around the world.  Through MY HERO’s website, International Film Festival, and Media Arts Education Programs, this nonprofit organization celebrates diverse heroes from all walks of life.  People of all ages are invited to participate in this global storytelling project that celebrates the best of humanity.