During the pre-production phase of the academy's training, participants research historical information archival photographs and film in preparation for developing the scripts for each of the documentary film projects. Reseach is conducted in conjunction with the county library system and several of the areas museums and historical societies.

The academy works closely with area historians, academic scholars and senior citizens for in-depth interviews to deliver the historical information for the films. This part of the academy provides teens with an opportunity to improve their communication skills using proper interviewing techniques.

In 2002, the academy was recognized in the 107th Congressional Record by Congressman George Miller of the U.S. House of Representatives for it’s work using teens to document and preserve history.