Role Type: Gig
Timeframe: Student placements will begin on Monday, February 10th (02/10/2025) and end on Friday April, 4th (04/04/2025)
Hours: 40 hours total
In-person, Hybrid or Remote: Hybrid

Profile of Our Organization
The Creative Cornerstone is a nonprofit based in Charlotte, North Carolina, dedicated to empowering youth ages 13–18 from underserved communities. We serve the corridors of Sugar Creek, Tuckasegee, North Graham, and
Albemarle Road, providing programs in film, photography, and music production. Our mission is to foster creativity, build confidence, and equip youth with valuable media production skills while addressing challenges like high dropout and crime rates in these areas.

Description of the Project and Location
We are seeking a Market Research Report that evaluates the current landscape of nonprofits serving youth in media production. This research will highlight market size, trends, competitors, and customer needs. It will also explore how media arts programs can effectively reduce dropout rates and crime within the corridors we serve. The project will be conducted in a hybrid format, with some in-person interviews and community engagement, complemented by remote research and analysis.

Project Scope
The research will focus on:
1. Market Analysis: Assess the size, scope, and growth potential of nonprofits targeting youth in media production.
2. Impact Data: Analyze how media production programs influence dropout and crime rates, particularly within Sugar Creek, Tuckasegee, North Graham, and Albemarle Road.
3. Demographic Insights: Provide a detailed profile of the youth in these corridors, including socioeconomic challenges
and aspirations.
4. Competitive Landscape: Evaluate other nonprofits offering similar programs, focusing on their success metrics and community impact.
5. Recommendations: Propose strategies for Creative Cornerstone to maximize its effectiveness and community reach.

Preferred Student Demographic and Qualifications
We are seeking students with expertise in:
- Marketing, Communications, or Business Analytics
- Nonprofit Management, Sociology, or Social Work
- Media Studies or Digital Arts

Candidates should have strong research, analytical, and writing skills. Familiarity with community development and youth programming is preferred.

Hours Required for Completion
The project is expected to require 30–40 hours

How the Student Will Benefit
- Gain practical experience in applied research with a focus on social impact.
- Deepen their understanding of how creative arts programs address social challenges like dropout and crime rates.
- Build their portfolio with a comprehensive research project aimed at real-world community solutions.
- Develop connections with leaders in youth development and nonprofit management.

Expected Outcomes
- A detailed Market Research Report that includes market size, competitive analysis, and community impact data.
- Evidence-based insights into how media arts programs can help reduce dropout and crime rates within the corridors
we serve.
- Strategic recommendations to strengthen Creative Cornerstone’s programs and outreach.
- A roadmap for demonstrating the organization’s effectiveness to stakeholders, funders, and community partners.