Smilegate Hope Studio is officially on the hunt for the 7th cohort of Hope Creators, the young creative mentors destined for Palette—a creative community designed for children and teenagers. Let’s be honest, the core mission of Palette is quite noble: ensuring that the next generation, regardless of their upbringing or bank balance, can carve out a brighter future through the sheer power of their own creative pursuits.

So, what exactly does a Hope Creator do? You’re acting as a mentor, diving into the interests of kids at local children’s centres and spearheading creative projects with them. It’s a role for those looking to sharpen their own leadership skills while showing kids the ropes of self-expression. If you’ve got a sense of responsibility for long-term mentoring, a cheeky bit of experience with generative AI, or a background in project management, you’re already ahead of the pack.

They’re looking for a total of 33 people to join the ranks. If you make the cut, you’ll be visiting local children’s centres across the nation—from Seoul and Gyeonggi to Gangneung, Jeonju, Daegu, and Busan—once a week for 20 weeks, starting this September through to next February. You’ll be helping the kids build all sorts of things, from games to videos and custom merchandise. In return, you’ll get a small stipend, verified volunteer hours, and a certificate upon completion.

It’s not just about the work, though. Throughout the programme, you’ll have access to autonomous creative spaces and gain insights from Smilegate’s own employees. Once you’ve crossed the finish line, you gain entry to the alumni programme, keeping those connections alive and potentially snagging some extra support for future team projects.

Kim Ji-o, a graduate of the 6th cohort, had this to say: "I initially thought I was going there to help the kids, but creating things together gave me even more inspiration and joy. It’s a genuine pleasure to witness their pure passion and watch us grow together, so if you're looking for a meaningful challenge, don't hesitate to apply."

Park Jae-hee, team leader at Hope Studio, added: "The Hope Creator programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people to blossom into creative leaders with refined problem-solving skills through real-world mentoring. We’re eager to hear from anyone who has a soft spot for the future generation and a keen interest in AI-based creative work."

Meanwhile, Hope Studio continues its efforts to foster a wider culture of giving, working hand-in-hand with various game companies and IP partners.