Youth media program supported by Season for Sharing teaches high schoolers critical skills
Since 2012, Friends of Public Radio Arizona's SPOT 127 Youth Media Center has been helping "teens to find their voices and engage with their communities through photo, audio and video storytelling."
Nearly 2,000 high school students between 14 and 18 have participated in SPOT 127 programming since it began, learning about photography, videography, audio production and media literacy. While producing multimedia journalism, SPOT 127 students develop leadership and critical thinking abilities that can help them on the path to higher education.
"SPOT 127's mission is to empower teens to develop their skills through digital media and technology," according to Friends of Public Radio Arizona. "We continuously innovate our free multi-award-winning programs to meet the needs of our communities through free, year-round in and after-school instruction."
The Youth Media Center received $7,500 from the 2022-23 Season for Sharing campaign. It was one of more than 150 Arizona nonprofits that received $1.6 million from readers of The Arizona Republic.
Make an online donation to Season for Sharing by clicking here.
These funds helped "provide in-school digital media workshops to 314 students at three local high schools in the greater Phoenix area," according to Friends of Public Radio Arizona. The organization's greatest needs "pertain to upgrading and keeping our technology relevant."
Friends of Public Radio Arizona's responses to The Republic's questionnaire have been edited for length and clarity.
What is your organization's mission?
The Friends of Public Radio Arizona assures the future vitality and excellence of the community's public radio and broadens its support through events, audience awareness and funding. The radio stations are licensed by the Maricopa County Community Colleges under the Division of Public Service. Public radio is a public service that builds community by connecting listeners of all ages and backgrounds to ideas, stories and performances. Friends of Public Radio Arizona supports KJZZ 91.5 FM, the SPOT 127 Youth Media Center, KBACH 89.5 FM, Hear Arizona podcasts and Sun Sounds of Arizona audio information service.
What vision does your organization have for the future?
Our vision for the future is to improve and enrich the quality of our programs, whether it's through the after-school online experience, in-person high school workshops or summer boot camp sessions. We also want to reach more high schools that would benefit from our program, and we believe the demand for specific programs may be quite extensive, especially among high schools that do not have a digital media program or services to offer their students. We provide the instructor, curriculum, equipment and software for each of the schools free of charge. We envision our program seeing the growth of in-person and virtual classes while reaching more students through the in-school workshops.
How do you gauge your success?
We gauge our success by distributing evaluations to participants. The students are asked to rate their overall experience and level of improvement with respect to technical skills, such as journalism fundamentals, video/audio production and editing, as well as life skills, which include conducting interviews, interfacing with the public and team collaboration.
We keep track of our alumni and their progression toward goals we helped them set in the program. This practice of goal setting directs them to a path of success and financial literacy, builds their self-esteem and gives them confidence beyond the walls of high school. Two of our former SPOT 127 students have succeeded in college and returned to teach our program part time.
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What inspires the work of your organization?
The growth and success of our students are what inspire our work. Our goal is to prepare high school students for major life decisions that will impact their future, such as college, trade school or a post-high school job. SPOT 127 applies a unique digital media curriculum and applied learning practices that enable students to develop communication and technological skills leading to a wide range of educational and employment opportunities.
Are there any projects your organization is working on that you want the public to know about?
SPOT 127 just finished a "Talk Heals" video project that brought awareness to teens' mental illness and drug use.
Donate to Season for Sharing
Since 1993, because of readers like you, The Arizona Republic's Season for Sharing campaign has raised and given away more than $73 million to Arizona nonprofits. Please help The Republic continue supporting our neighbors in need.
Where does the money go?
When you give to Season for Sharing, you're contributing to nonprofits that help teachers and students, aid older Arizonans and support struggling children and families. The Republic pays all administrative costs, so 100% of donations go back to the community.
Ways to give
Fill out the secure online form at sharing.azcentral.com.
Text "SHARING" to 91-999 and click on the link in the text message.
Go online at facebook.com/seasonforsharing and look for the featured "DONATE HERE" post.
Clip the coupon on Page 4A of The Arizona Republic, fill it out and mail it to P.O. Box 29250, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9250.
Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera, and click on the link to donate.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Youth media program empowers Phoenix-area teens with life skills
