Sandbox U: Your launchpad into the creative world

Applications for our Fall 2026 Sandbox U cohort are now open. Designed for early-career creatives, Sandbox U provides the hands-on resources and mentorship needed to propel creative careers forward.

What is Sandbox U?

Sandbox U is our virtual mentorship program for entry-level creatives, providing exposure to creative professions through mentorship and hands-on experience. Applicants will be paired with a Hook mentor based on their creative interests, and for 10 weeks, will meet with their mentors virtually to help prepare them for their creative careers—whether the preparation is craft-related, portfolio-centric, or general job interview help. Together, mentors and mentees will decide on the time, frequency, and meeting platform that works best, and will collaborate on creating goals and deliverables that meet the mentee’s creative aspirations for the program.

Who Can Apply

Sandbox U is open to all entry-level creatives. Whether you're fresh out of school, self-taught, or somewhere in between, we want to hear from you. No resume, portfolio, or prior experience is required.

Applications for Sandbox U close August 31st. Apply here.