How to participate in Heights Middle School Shorts?
All middle school students who live in Cleveland Heights and University Heights are encouraged to apply to HMSS by completing an application during the February 1-March 31 application period.
Who can attend Heights Middle School Shorts?
Heights Middle School Shorts is open to 30 students from Cleveland Heights and University Heights in grades 6-8. We welcome students of all backgrounds to apply, including those who may not have traditionally been involved in performing and musical arts activities.
Can non-public school students attend Heights Middle School Shorts?
Yes. We welcome private school students who live in Cleveland Heights and University Heights. Indeed, we have established relationships with those schools to ensure their students are aware of the camp and application process.
Can campers go on family trips or attend other camps while HMSS is in session?
The answer is yes! We want campers who want to make movies, even if they have other obligations that prevent them from attending HMSS every day, and are happy to work with campers and their families to accommodate scheduling conflicts.
Are there scholarships available?
HMSS offers up to 20 full scholarships (ten from each CH-UH middle school) that allow students to participate in camp free of charge. To be considered for a scholarship, students must check the “Scholarship” option on the application form – applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Scholarship decisions are based upon multiple criteria, including student statements of interest, but also past access (or lack of access) to enrichment activities, perceived student leadership and performance skills, and the like. We are keen to have students in the program who are open to personal growth and learning to work together to set and achieve challenging objectives.
How much does HMSS cost?
Because our goal is to ensure diversity in the camp and provide access to CHUH students who may not traditionally have opportunities to participate in camps of this type, we’re committed to keeping the camp free of charge for 20 campers. The remaining spots will be filled by open enrollment. Tuition for HMSS is as follows:
- $300 for Heights Middle School Shorts
- $275 for additional CHUH siblings (must be a current 6th, 7th, or 8th grader)
- $400 for non-CHUH district students (must be a current Cleveland Heights or University Heights resident)
- $375 for additional non-CHUH siblings (must be a current 6th, 7th, or 8th grader)
- Scholarships available upon inquiry
When will the camp be held?
Height Middle School Shorts runs for approximately three weeks. In 2024, the camp will be held during the months of April, May, and June:
- Two mandatory in-person writing workshop sessions at Lake Erie Ink will be held on April 20 and April 27.
- Five in-person screenwriting workshops will be held on Saturdays in May and the first week of June: May 4, 11, 18, 25 & June 1 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. (The June 1 session is our HMSS Table Read.)
- In-person HMSS camp runs Monday through Friday for two weeks on June 3-14 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Following the camp, all HMSS films will be screened to the public on Sunday, June 16. Families and friends of campers are encouraged to attend.
Are students with special needs eligible for the camp?
Yes. The Heights Middle School Shorts film camp is open to every Cleveland Heights and University Heights middle schooler. Students with special needs can apply for the camp, where we help students learn to believe in themselves, harness their creative potential, and work with others to make something they’re all proud of.
How is the camp responding to the COVID-19 pandemic?
The safety and well-being of HMSS campers, families, and staff are of utmost importance. We will continue to monitor Cuyahoga County and the State of Ohio COVID-19 protocols and follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to prevent the spread of the virus.
While our objective is to proceed with an in-person camp so that students have opportunities to collaborate on their projects, if the pandemic returns, we are prepared to move the camp to a virtual setting.