In-House Programs

Our programs are for elementary, middle, and high school students ready for endless creativity and fun.

the spy hop way

Don't know where to start? There are many ways to find YOUR path at Spy Hop! Here are a few examples.

drop-in

Every friday, our studio is free to use. No registration required.

foundation

If you felt good in a drop-in class, try out one of our 3-6 week long intro classes.

apprenticeship

After taking a Foundational, you can spend 4 months getting real world experience and earn a $200 stipend.

bootcamp

Another option is to join one of our bootcamps. They range from weeks to months long, with a strong focus on skill-building.

capstone

Master your skills! These project-based programs range from 10-12 months long.

REGISTER NOW

9 PROGRAMS

FREE
DesignFilm

media arts assemblies

Artist Mentors lead a 60-minute interactive assembly where students explore media arts, share ideas, discover creative careers, and learn how to keep creating with access to free afterschool Spy Hop programs.

LEARN MORE
FREE
DesignFilm

media arts assemblies

Artist Mentors lead a 60-minute interactive assembly where students explore media arts, share ideas, discover creative careers, and learn how to keep creating with access to free afterschool Spy Hop programs.

LEARN MORE
FREE
DesignFilm

Advanced Filmmaking 2

A short film created for the Salt Lake Peer Resource Center. Our students wrote, directed, filmed, and edited this project.

LEARN MORE
FREE
DesignFilm

Advanced Filmmaking 3

A short film created for the Salt Lake Peer Resource Center. Our students wrote, directed, filmed, and edited this project.

LEARN MORE
FREE
DesignFilm

intensive workshops

A short film created for the Salt Lake Peer Resource Center. Our students wrote, directed, filmed, and edited this project.

LEARN MORE
FREE
DesignFilm

media arts assemblies

Artist Mentors lead a 60-minute interactive assembly where students explore media arts, share ideas, discover creative careers, and learn how to keep creating with access to free afterschool Spy Hop programs.

LEARN MORE
FREE
DesignFilm

media arts assemblies

Artist Mentors lead a 60-minute interactive assembly where students explore media arts, share ideas, discover creative careers, and learn how to keep creating with access to free afterschool Spy Hop programs.

LEARN MORE
FREE
DesignFilm

intensive workshops

A short film created for the Salt Lake Peer Resource Center. Our students wrote, directed, filmed, and edited this project.

LEARN MORE
FREE
DesignFilm

intensive workshops

A short film created for the Salt Lake Peer Resource Center. Our students wrote, directed, filmed, and edited this project.

LEARN MORE

PREVENTION

Prevention is woven into everything we do at Spy Hop. Operating at the intersection of education, youth development, mental health, and creative workforce readiness, our Youth Media Arts Center serves as a vital “third space” where young people aged 8–25 build self-confidence, media literacy, and community belonging—all proven protective factors against anxiety, depression, and substance misuse.

Our scaffolded, mentor-based programming in film, audio, music, and design is strengthened by Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program (TOP), a nationally recognized, evidence-based model that builds life and leadership skills, strengthens relationships, and helps teens avoid risky behaviors through weekly peer group meetings, skill-building, and community service learning. Together, these approaches reduce key risk factors—including depressive symptoms and social isolation—across our programs and through statewide outreach in schools, treatment centers, and juvenile justice facilities.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We've found that small program sizes give the best opportunity for creative learning and mentorship—because of this, most of our classes have a capacity of ten students.
All of our in-house programs are for teens 12–19 years old. We occasionally make exceptions for younger students who will be turning the age required for the program, or through special permission from that specific program's mentor.
Our classes are designed for in-person participation. Limited remote attendance may be possible in certain circumstances. Availability depends on the class format and is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Pre-program check-ins are usually 15 minutes or less. They're an opportunity for students and our professional teaching artists to get to know one another, assess goals, talk through schedules, ask questions and feel ready for the program to start. Students don't need to bring anything but themselves.
We keep all our classroom spaces an adult/parent-free zone (excluding staff) to ensure students feel free in their creative expression. If you'd like to see the building and learn more about Spy Hop, you can schedule a tour with our team outside of class time.

resources

Student release + consent form

Please make sure you and/or your parent/guardian have completed the Spy Hop Consent/In-take form before you begin a class.

Please click the link below to access the online form.
If you are having technical issues with the online form, please email programs@spyhop.org

Free uta passes

Grab your free UTA pass at the front desk. This is available to all students enrolled in a program at Spy Hop. We are on the blue line and right next to the 9 line bus stop.

expectations

Please take good care of Spy Hop gear while you’re using it. All equipment should be returned at the end of the program in the same condition you received it.

We trust you to treat the gear with respect and take that responsibility seriously. If equipment is damaged or not returned, it may lead to lost gear privileges or fees to repair or replace it.

Our goal is simple: we want everyone to have access to great tools. If you treat the gear like gold, it’ll be ready for the next creator. In short, be a good human.

What’s included

Spy Hop offers free after-school programs for students at the Kahlert Youth Media Arts Center in downtown Salt Lake City. Along with a safe, welcoming place to learn and create, Spy Hop also provides the following resources to help students succeed:

  • Snacks are provided
  • Free UTA passes (TRAX and bus schedule)
  • Gear access and check-out (film, design, audio, and music gear/instruments)
  • Access to Spy Hop’s free music recording studio (learn more)
  • Full Adobe Creative Suite access at Spy Hop
  • Mental health resources
  • Paid professional opportunities with Phase 2 Productions (learn more)
  • Community arts and event access
  • Mentorship and guidance
  • Menstrual hygiene products
policies & safety

1. Discipline

The purpose of good classroom and camp management is to provide an environment conducive to learning and fun. Mentors have the right to teach and students have the right to learn. A disruptive student detracts from the learning experience and affects others’ enjoyment.

2. Students are expected to abide by these rules:


  • Listen and follow directions
  • Show respect to others around you, the space, and the equipment
  • Use appropriate language and behavior

 

3. Cell Phone and Device Policy


We recognize that students may need to bring a cell phone/mobile device for communication. However, the use of digital devices during class is not permitted. Please leave tablets and game devices at home. Spy Hop is not responsible for any lost or stolen devices.