The Octavia Project uses speculative fiction as a lens through which to envision new futures and greater possibilities for our world; blending creative writing, art, science, and technology, our programming increases confidence and skills in a myriad of subjects while fostering leadership and community. Our free Summer Institute brings together young women and trans, gender non-conforming, or non-binary youth ages 14-18 to build new worlds. We believe that their ideas and imaginations are vital to our future and provide them with the support and tools to get there. Through our curriculum, teens explore how the world around them is created by a series of choices that can be remade or replaced. Through our robust and in-depth curriculum, participants build necessary skills like critical thinking, digital media literacy, and creative problem-solving while gaining confidence in their voice and vision. Our teens end the summer empowered to lead and effect change in their schools, communities, and cities.