> 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

Learn how to create a new success story record in PEARS, including the title, program areas, unit, and supporting details.

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

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

![Screenshot: The empty success story create form showing Story Title, Program areas, Site or organization, Unit, Program Activity, Action plans, and Keywords](https://2560412328-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Ff0820LrBGQ9ZA8SC4BR1%2Fuploads%2F0GXIs1d0RqsvLETYaTjT%2Fsuccess-story-create-form-top.png?alt=media)

In the **Story 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 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. PEARS assigns the success story to the current reporting period(s) for the program areas you select.

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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 or organization** 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 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 Plans

Extension users see the **Action plans** field, which is required. Select one or more action plans to link to this success story, or select **Not linked to an Action Plan** if none apply. Only action plans in the program areas you selected are available. 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 Comments (optional)

In the **Comments** field, enter any general information about this success story. Do not use this field for the story itself.
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#### Add File Attachments (optional)

In the **File Attachments** section, attach any relevant files, photos, or documents that support the success story, such as pictures or scans of articles.

If you attach files, the **Have all participants pictured in any uploaded photographs signed 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 photo release field is required when files are attached. Ensure you have proper photo releases before uploading images that include identifiable individuals.
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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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