> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.pears.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.pears.io/reflect/success-stories/create-a-success-story.md).

# Create a Success Story

This article walks through the steps to create a new success story in PEARS. A success story captures a detailed narrative about the impact of your programming, along with supporting evidence and linked records.

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**TIP:** The red asterisk **\*** next to the heading of a field indicates that the field is required. Required fields must be completed before you can save the record.
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#### Navigate to Success Stories

From the PEARS homepage, hover over the **Reflect** menu in the top navigation bar and click **Success Stories**.
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#### Click Add Success Story

On the Success Stories list page, click the **Add Success Story** button to open the success story form.
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#### Enter a Title

![Screenshot: The top of the success story creation form showing the Title, Reporting Periods, and Program Areas fields](/files/VOarMXUCGrSyn6oYcHn9)

In the **Title** field, enter a descriptive title for this success story.

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**TIP:** Choose a title that clearly conveys the impact or theme of the story, such as the program name, outcome, or community served.
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#### Select Reporting Periods

In the **Reporting Periods** field, select the reporting period(s) that apply to this success story.
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#### Select Program Areas

In the **Program Areas** field, select the program area(s) that apply to this success story. At least one program area is required.

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**NOTE:** The program areas you select determine whether additional data sections, such as SNAP-Ed data, will be required later in the workflow.
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#### Select a Site (optional)

In the **Site** field, select the site or organization related to this success story. Start typing to search for an available site.
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#### Select a Unit

In the **Unit** field, select the extension unit associated with this success story.
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#### Link a Program Activity (optional)

In the **Program Activity** field, select a program activity to link to this success story. Linking a program activity associates the story with a specific direct education record.
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#### Link Action Plan(s) (optional)

In the **Action Plan(s)** field, select one or more action plans to link to this success story. Linking action plans connects the story to broader planning efforts.
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#### Add Keywords (optional)

In the **Keywords** field, select one or more keywords to tag this success story. The available keywords are filtered based on your organization.

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**TIP:** Keywords help categorize and search for success stories across your organization. Use consistent keywords to make stories easier to find later.
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#### Add Uploads (optional)

In the **Uploads** section, attach any relevant files, photos, or documents that support the success story.

If you attach uploads, the **Has Photo Releases** field appears. Select the appropriate option:

* **Not Applicable** — No photos of individuals are included.
* **Yes** — Photo releases have been obtained for all individuals pictured.
* **No** — Photo releases have not been obtained.

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**NOTE:** The **Has Photo Releases** field is required when uploads are present. Ensure you have proper photo releases before uploading images that include identifiable individuals.
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#### Add Comments (optional)

In the **Comments** field, enter any additional notes or context about this success story.
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#### Save and Continue

Click the **Save and Continue** button at the bottom of the form. PEARS saves the success story and takes you to the next step in the workflow: the [Collaborators](/reflect/success-stories/collaborators.md) page.

To save without continuing, click the **Save** button instead.
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