The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with the Out of The Box Media Literacy Initiative, is inviting emerging digital content creators in Southeast Asia to apply for the "Creators Co-Lab: YSEALI Bootcamp for Digital Creators." The media literacy and content creation workshop will run from April to June.

This program, part of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), aims to equip young content creators with essential skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s dynamic media landscape. The initiative offers virtual sessions on 5 and 6 April, followed by an in-person workshop in Manila from 28 May to 1 June. Experts in media, technology, and academia will guide participants on using digital platforms to promote media literacy, create engaging content, and leverage tools for brand development, audience engagement, and analytics.

The workshop will also cover pressing issues like disinformation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, fostering regional cooperation and innovation among participants from across Southeast Asia.

The "Creators Co-Lab: YSEALI Bootcamp" is open to citizens of ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste, aged 18 to 35, with at least 1,000 followers on any social media platform and active content creation experience over the past three months.

Applications are open until 31 January, and participants will be eligible for grants of Php224,000 ($4,000) and mentoring to implement new digital projects. They will also join the U.S. international exchange alumni network, offering access to further grants and networking opportunities.

YSEALI, a U.S. government program launched in 2013, promotes leadership and networking in Southeast Asia, supporting youth in areas like civic engagement, education, environmental management, and economic development.