youth talks - youth-led podcast program

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We use podcasts as a medium to amplify youth voices. Podcasting is empowering for youth, giving young people a sense of ownership within their communities.  These podcasts give them a platform and avenue where they can voice their concerns and feelings. The goal of the youth-led podcasts are to empower young people who are facing social, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges; to help them recognize their issues and concerns and express them constructively; to provide a real, tangible accomplishment; and to develop meaningful social and life skills that can be applied to career paths.  

Podcasting is a fun and creative way to provide deeper learning for students and empower them to have their voices heard and shared with a wider audience. Students will also engage with audio content and learn how to edit their podcast episodes before publishing. In addition, students will have an opportunity to invite guest speakers such as their peers, staff, community members or those who are experts on the topics they have chosen to highlight.

When the Covid-19 Pandemic hit the world and affected our schools and communities, our youth were also affected in a big way. We realized this and began our Youth-led podcasting program to aid in counteracting the effects of the pandemic. Youth were not socializing with friends or their teachers and this led to depression, loneliness, and anxiety. Podcasting provided a way to stay connected.  With the support of Youth Infusion, students have the opportunity to engage in in-depth explorations of topics relevant to the challenges they face, especially what they are facing during these challenging times.

Podcasting is a way to engage youth and reach them in a new way. Ideally, participants would be between the ages of 12-18.  Each participant is encouraged to develop his/her own unique perspective, and the educators and professionals who work alongside them, help to bring their thoughts and creativity to life. These podcasts are youth-led, and those teachers and mentors involved will provide guidance and monitoring to ensure students stay on track with specified benchmarks. Youth Infusion, Inc. will also work with schools to create “Pod Rooms”. Each school will have a designated small studio (a “Pod Room”) where all the magic happens. Students will not only learn to set-up the room with equipment, but they will experience how to use the equipment to edit and create quality sound for their podcast before launching their first episode. 

Through the youth-led podcasting program, students will learn the following skills: 

• Youth would identify issues in the community and address them throughinteractive podcasts and therefore it is a way to share marginalized voices.
•  Communication Skills: Teaches youth respect for other voices and perspectives.
• Reading, Research and Content Writing Skills. 
• Speaking and effective communication with adults and peers. 
• Prioritizing and time management. 
• Self-discipline. 
• Critical thinking, information analysis and problem solving. 
• Logical and informed decision making. 
• Research and Interview. 
• Working in a team environment. 
• Creative thinking. 
• Confidence.