Workforce development program for young adults nurtures confidence, direction, purpose
West Michigan Works!’ Ascend youth program helps participants build confidence, explore careers, and gain essential workplace skills.
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!
Mosaic Film Experience turns students into skilled storytellers
Grand Rapids-based film program helps youth build confidence, industry connections, and storytelling skills, guiding youths like first-generation student Nuha Hussein toward a creative future.
Sixth grader featured on Kelly Clarkson Show inspires community cleanup
Zoey Tice, a sixth-grader from Muskegon who is passionate about picking up trash, recently impressed Kelly Clarkson, who is sending her to Jamaica to help with an environmental project.
Student preserves Hispanic business history to empower future generations
GVSU student Galilea Bahena researches 100 years of Hispanic businesses in West Michigan for a Grand Rapids museum exhibit, ensuring community stories endure.
Voices of Youth: The uphill battle of smalltown Pride
Hastings, Mich., held its second annual Pride Festival, uniting LGBTQIA+ residents and allies in a powerful show of rural visibility despite local backlash. The event drew hundreds and marked growing support for queer youth in the small, traditionally conservative town.
Flora’s illustrated guide to managing invasive species
As part of Rapid Growth’s Voices of Youth series, Flora Duckworth-Guerra created a two-part visual guide exploring six invasive species and how to combat them. Part one spotlights the butterfly bush, sea lamprey, and giant koi.
Flora’s animated guide to fighting invasive species
As part of Rapid Growth's Voices of Youth series, Flora Duckworth-Guerra created a two-part visual guide exploring six invasive species and how to combat them. Part two focuses on the spotted lanternfly, garlic mustard, and the stink bug.
Teen beekeeper builds buzz with sustainable honey
Zack Sporte, 19, grows a thriving honey business while promoting pollinator health and sustainability in West Michigan.
High school athletes find confidence, camaraderie
At Lee High School, students gain confidence, friendships, and life skills through sports.
For teens, healthy use of smartphones is matter of balance
Many teens struggle with screen time, but some, like Northview’s Alexis VanZandt, are learning to use smartphones more mindfully.
