Voices of Youth spotlights East Kentwood students’ family history project
Voices of Youth spotlights East Kentwood’s immigration storytelling project and shares three student essays preserving immigrant family histories and journeys.
Voices of Youth
Voices of Youth is a paid journalism opportunity that aims to lift youth voices focused on community issues and solutions. This free program consists of solutions journalism workshops and one-on-one mentorship with experts in the areas of writing, art, photography and social media. The goal of the program is for all participants to publish their own original piece of content in our publication while gaining real world knowledge and experience in the important discipline of journalism. Youth are encouraged to use their content for college and job applications. Check back here for more information and to sign up for the next cohort. Please note: Space is limited per cohort so we encourage early sign up to guarantee a spot!
West Michigan refugee family builds belonging, resilience, and hope through diversity
For our Voices of Youth series, Hawathiya Malual shares how her Sudanese and Ethiopian refugee parents rebuilt their lives in West Michigan, inspiring her dreams of leadership, education, and service.
Resilience, community, family help Bosnian war refugees create a new life in West Michigan
As part of our Voices of Youth series, Amina Povlakic writes about the journey of her father, a Bosnian refugee, who rebuilt a life in West Michigan through resilience and family.
Internships for bilingual students help them develop Spanish skills while helping community
Jenison students gain bilingual experience through internships, preparing for future careers and opportunities while helping Spanish-speaking families communicate.
Health careers expo helps students explore opportunities beyond medical roles
As part of our Voices of Youth series, student journalist Mazonnah Holiday reported on the Future Rounds Health Careers Expo, where students explored healthcare career paths and connected with professionals.
Immigrant parents’ sacrifices inspire East Kentwood senior’s pursuit of civic leadership
As part of our Voices of Youth series, Edwin Lopez-Garcia shares how his immigrant parents’ sacrifices in West Michigan shaped his education, identity, and commitment to civic life.
GVSU students turn old tech troubles into trusted local resale solutions
GVSU students solve risky, wasteful tech resale by building a trusted local model that improves safety, transparency, and sustainability.
West Michigan students spread kindness by joining Positive Affirmations initiative
A group of West Michigan students launches an initiative promoting kindness, combating bullying, and creating National Positive Affirmations Day in schools.
5 things you may not know about Blandford School in Grand Rapids
Flora Duckworth-Guerra, a sixth-grader, uses five original illustrations to show what happens at Blandford. She highlights the songs, chores, doodles, “magic spots,” and confidence-building moments that make this year-long program unique compared to other school experiences in Grand Rapids.
Voices of Youth: Theater offers kids skills beyond the stage
Our Voices of Youth narrative shows how theater fosters empathy, confidence, and belonging. City High Middle School student Ineke Petroelje explains why this art remains a deeply human experience.
