FAQs

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What is #The704Way?

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It is a youth-led movement designed to make peace more "viral" than violence in Charlotte. We hire young people across three tiers to be the Architects and Ambassadors who design the media, host the events, and map the resources that shift the culture of our neighborhoods.

This innovative campaign is being led by the City of Charlotte’s Office of Youth Opportunities, My Brother’s Keeper Charlotte Mecklenburg and CMRignite. This youth violence prevention program will be led by trusted, trained adults who are committed to supporting and guiding young people in a positive way. 

All program activities, in-persona and virtual,  are conducted in a safe, supervised environment where youth are respected, protected, and encouraged to build healthy skills and relationships. Parents and caregivers can be confident that children’s safety and well-being are always the program’s top priority.

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What are the Program Tiers?

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What are the Program Expectations?

When are Applications Due? What’s the Selection Process?

  • Tier 1: Strategic Architects (Ages 19–24) These young leaders serve as the management team, focusing on high-level strategy, data tracking, and ensuring site safety.

  • Tier 2: Creative Ambassadors (Ages 15–18) This group leads the production efforts, specializing in graphic design, event coordination, and social media content creation for platforms like TikTok and Reels.

  • Tier 3: Next Gen Connectors (Ages 10–14) Our youngest tier focuses on community intelligence by mapping safe spots and building a foundation in digital storytelling.

How Will Youth be Paid?

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"We believe exposure doesn’t pay the bills, so we pay the youth like the experts they are. Stipends are released based on completing "Milestones" (e.g., attending training, finishing projects, and event participation).

  • Tier 1: Professional Leadership Stipends (Up to $1,000 per term).

  • Tier 2: Creative Incentive Stipends (Up to $500 per term).

  • Tier 3: Educational Rewards & Merch (Up to $300 value in gift cards/trips).

  • Time: Most Ambassadors commit 10–15 hours per week in June & July.

  • The "Peace Pods": You will help run mobile recording studios in neighborhood "Magnet Spots.”

  • Behavior: Students who are selected to participate are expected to show respectful behavior toward their peers, follow program rules, listen to adult leaders, and treat others with care and responsibility at all times.

  • Yes. All activities take place in supervised "Safe Zones" like the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, YMCA, or designated neighborhood Pop-Up locations. Our Tier 1 Architects are specifically trained in de-escalation to ensure every event is a neutral, positive space.

  1. Submit the App: Fill out the Summer Intake Form by INSERT DEADLINE

  2. Trust the Process: Candidates will be selected based upon a fair criteria.

  3. The Vibe Check: Top candidates will have a 5-minute interview with our Tier 1 Architects.

  4. The Onboarding: Mandatory training begins in May to get you "Production Ready."

What Skills Youth Will Youth Learn?

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Where will the Program be Held? Is this safe?

Don't worry if you have no experience—we start at Ground Zero.

  • Graphic Design: Learn to use Canva to create professional, "street-premium" flyers.

  • Advanced Video: Master the DJI Osmo gimbal for cinematic, smooth video production.

  • Editing: Professional training in CapCut to create viral-style content.

  • Leadership: Conflict mediation, "The Peace Treaty" de-escalation, and professional project management.

  • YWBAT (Youth Will Be Able To): By the end of summer, you will be able to produce professional media, manage community events, and navigate city-wide data systems.