Adobe and the National Geographic Society partner to bring creative storytelling into the classroom

Storytelling for Impact
Text on the left reads "Storytelling for Impact" with National Geographic and Adobe and their logos below. Photo by Ryan Hill. On the right is a girl holding a camera looking surveying her next shot.

At Adobe, we believe that everyone has a story to tell and that those stories deserve to be heard. Storytelling is how we relate to each other, share ideas, learn, and imagine what could be possible. The more perspectives we see, the more vibrant the world becomes. But for that to happen, creativity needs to be more accessible to everyone — especially in the classroom for the next generation of creators.

Today we are proud to announce a new partnership with the National Geographic Society, together launching the Storytelling for Impact program, a series of free, on-demand, educational online courses designed to support digital literacy and creative storytelling in the classroom.

National Geographic has a long and powerful legacy of visual storytelling, showcasing how changing perspectives can change the world. Each online course features renowned National Geographic photographers, explorers, and educators, such as Hannah Reyes Morales, Erika Larsen, Sandesh Kadur, Leon Tynes, and Rachel Hansen, to name a few. They’ll guide educators through the components of storytelling across different mediums, including photography, video, graphics, and audio.

Storytelling for Impact was created for educators and students — with a focus on learners ages 16 to 25 — who aspire to use the power of storytelling to make a difference in the world. National Geographic believes these young leaders are a part of #GenGeo, a community of young people who are committed to exploring connections, seeing how complex human and natural systems interact and change over time, and taking action for our planet.

“At Adobe, we believe in creativity for all. Everyone has an important story to tell, and it’s critical that we hear from a broader, more diverse set of voices,” says John Travis, vice president, brand marketing, Adobe. “We’re excited to partner with National Geographic to inspire and enable the next generation of creators to share their unique perspectives with the world.”

“National Geographic and Adobe share a belief that storytelling is a thread that binds people together, fostering connections, empathy, and an understanding of diverse perspectives,” added Vicki Phillips, chief education officer at the National Geographic Society. “This partnership is an exciting opportunity to equip young people and educators with world-class resources to tell their unique story and make an impact on the world.”

The first of five Storytelling for Impact courses launched today, focusing on photography and featuring explorers and photojournalists Hannah Reyes Morales and Tailyr Irvine, and photographer and multidisciplinary storyteller Erika Larsen.

At Adobe, we know there are so many great stories waiting to be told, and we’re committed to providing everyone with the tools, resources, and inspiration they need to tell their stories.

Learn more about the Storytelling for Impact program and register at NatGeoEd.org/Adobe.