Voices of Youth: Listening to the issues facing Grand Rapids teens in 2024
Through Voices of Youth, Kent County teens explore modern issues, from bullying to the pandemic, that affect them through Rapid Growth's journalism workshops.
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!
Voices of Youth: Are schools doing enough to address bullying?
A 2019 survey taken of high school students in Michigan showed that over 20% of get bullied. “Matt's Law,” which became law in 2011 and has been updated since then, requires schools to have a bullying policy in place and to report bullying incidents.
Voices of Youth: How Kent County students can grow outside the classroom
Research has shown that extracurricular activities are crucial in a scholar's development.
How Michigan addressed period poverty by getting rid of the Tampon Tax
High school student Solange Sifa explores Michigan’s response so far to period poverty. In 2021, Gov. Whitmer signed legislation to remove tax from menstrual products.
Voices of Youth: How educators are trained to best support students with learning differences
As part of our Voices of Youth project, student Mazonnah Holiday shares how teacher training supported her brother and interviews a Grand Rapids Public Schools teacher about teaching students with learning differences.
Voices of Youth: Gen Z teens approach dating cautiously
High school student Vanely Bastardo Guzman explores how fear of harassment and sexual assault is making Gen Z women more cautious about dating. One out of every 12 high school students reports having experienced physical and/or sexual abuse in a relationship.
Voices of Youth: A call to curb youth e-cigarette use
High school student Annette G. Vazquez explores e-cigarette use among teens. While e-cigarette use among high schoolers has decreased, it has increased for middle school students.
After a successful launch, Rapid Growth continues Voices of Youth program
So many issues affect today's youth. Rapid Growth's Voices of Youth helps them put that into words. After the programs first year, Rapid Growth hopes to build on its success.
Grand Rapids Public Library — not just by the books
City High Middle School freshman Luke Fann reflects on the 150-year history of Grand Rapids Public Library and its future in the latest Voices of Youth article.
Voices of Youth: Homeschooling’s rise and how it can help students
Grand Rapids-area student Mazonnah Holiday shares how homeschooling has helped her in the latest story from Voices of Youth.
