Words by Smiley Team
One media organization is hoping to change the voice of media in America and spread a different type of message.
YR Media, located in Oakland, California, is a network of young journalists and artists based across the country. The non-profit production company has invested in future generations — championing young people's voices — to build critical skills in journalism, arts and media.
It has a core purpose: to promote equal opportunities for America's kids and increase public understanding and accountability regarding youth problems and policy.
The young journalists discuss topics on news, arts and culture, identity, tech, health, and culture. Along with their articles, they have a podcast, and national partnerships with The Washington Post, Medium, NPR, to name a few.
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Senior-level executives and professionals lead YR Media, which has competence in youth development, technology and engineering, media production, and entrepreneurship.
Along with their media platform, they offer training to youth in high school who are interested in the media. Students get hands-on production experience and work with industry professionals and peers to develop marketable media and digital technology skills. They’ll be ready for production internships as well as a wider range of educational and employment options.
Their free in-house training sessions are open to high-school students between the ages of 14 and 18, and they can then apply for paid production internships with the YR Media organization after six months.
During their training, students develop a radio program and study the essentials of journalism, podcasting, film, photography, and design in the first three months. In the next three months, students focus on a media concentration: journalism, audio production, design, and illustration, or video and photography. Students receive a media portfolio as part of their graduation requirements.
YR Media not only focuses on career readiness, but they have a holistic approach to education and training.
Through case management, academic and career advising, and healthy eating choices, every YR member has access to mental and physical wellness support aimed to help them handle issues in all areas of their lives. Their process develops resiliency and self-sufficiency by offering wrap-around assistance to young people and assisting them in reflecting on their own experiences.
To learn more about YR Media and its initiatives, or to learn how to get involved, visit yr.media.
