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2025-2026 APT Student Advisory Council
The Alabama Public Television (APT) Student Advisory Council is open to all students in grades 9-12 in Alabama. Applications are open NOW and will close on July 31, 2025. Notifications will be sent out by August 6, 2025.
About the Program
The APT Student Advisory Council (APT-SAC) connects high school students from across Alabama to provide feedback for APT’s educational content and services and contribute their voices to our coverage.
The APT Student Advisory Council is a dynamic team of student leaders who will serve as ambassadors for Alabama Public Television during the 2025–2026 school year. As a council member, you’ll:
- Build communication and leadership skills
- Explore careers in media, education, and public service
- Collaborate with students from across Alabama
- Explore creative tools to produce original content that may be featured on APT platforms
Meetings
The first Tuesday of each month is reserved for APT-SAC members to build collaboration skills, connect with peers and public media professionals, and gain hands-on experience in learning how to create content for APT platforms.
Virtual Meeting Format: APT-SAC meetings are held via Zoom on the first Tuesday of each month from 5:00–6:30 PM. Accepted members will receive the complete 2025–2026 APT-SAC calendar with detailed dates and information.
Throughout the year, APT-SAC members can expect to….
- Build their communication skills via pitch sessions, live event speaker opportunities and editorial meetings while learning more about APT’s different career paths.
- Offer feedback on different APT programs and services.
- Learn how to tell their own stories for APT and produce content for Student Voices.
- Explore how PBS Editorial Standards and Practices uphold the quality and integrity of PBS content and shape the stories we present.
Have Questions?
Email the K–12 Education Team at: APTStudentLeadership@aptv.org
We can’t wait to learn more about you!
Eligibility
Dear Future APT Student Advisory Council Member,
We’re excited to meet you, hear your ideas, and learn from your unique perspective as a young leader.
Do you enjoy bringing people together? Are you curious about trends, education, culture, or community issues? Maybe you’re bursting with ideas but still figuring out how to express them—or maybe you’re already writing poetry, making music, or leading school events. Whether you’re outspoken or more reflective and observant, your voice matters here.
Who Can Apply
- Alabama high school students in grades 9–12
- No prior experience needed—just curiosity, creativity, and willingness to contribute
- Ideal for students interested in writing, content creation, education, leadership, and/or community outreach
You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and evaluating APT’s educational content and initiatives, while gaining hands-on experience with digital media such as videos, blogs, podcasts, and social media posts.
Program Commitments
- Attend a minimum of six meetings between October and May
- Meetings are held monthly via Zoom on the first Tuesday of each month, from 5:00–6:30 PM
- Participate in at least one community outreach event—this can take place at your school, in your local community, or beyond
- We’ll support you with any technology or scheduling challenges that arise
What We’re Looking For
We welcome all voices—whether you’re a team leader, creative thinker, quiet observer, or aspiring content creator. If you bring fresh ideas and a commitment to learning, we want you on the team.
Compensation
Students who complete the program and meet all requirements will receive a $500 honorarium (in the form of a gift card) at the end of the term. You’ll also earn community service hours for participating in meetings and outreach events.
Student Advisory Council Application
Submission Process
- Submit the online application with one letter of recommendation by the deadline.
- Finalists will be notified and provided with the full meeting schedule.
Eligible students can apply online now. The application will close July 31, 2025.
Who is eligible for the Student Advisory Council program?
To become a member of the Student Advisory Council, you must:
- Currently be a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior in high school
- Be available to attend at least 6 monthly meetings between October and May
- Be a student in good standing at your school
What is the deadline for submitting my Student Advisory Council application?
The deadline for submitting your application for the 2025 program year is 11:59 pm eastern time/ 8:59 pm pacific on Thursday, July 31, 2025. There are no exceptions to this deadline and extensions will not be granted. Please plan accordingly for potential challenges due to weather, technology, or other circumstances. Note, submission processing time can be delayed into the final hours before the deadline, so please submit early and don’t wait until the last minute.
I have submitted an application online – when can I expect to receive an update on its status?
We anticipate that all Student Advisory Council applicants are notified via the email provided in their application by August 6, 2025.
Is a letter of recommendation required as part of the application?
One letter of recommendation is required as part of the application. That letter must be:
- From an administrator/teacher/guidance counselor or coach at the student’s current school –OR- from leadership at a community or volunteer organization that the student has participated in for at least 1 year
- On school or business letterhead
- Signed by the recommender
- In an unencrypted pdf format
- Submitted with your application by the application deadline by July 31
Any application that does not include the required letter of recommendation will be disqualified from consideration.
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