Published Together: 5 stories that resonate with me and celebrate the power of local voices
Publisher Tommy Allen looks back on stories that still hit home.
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!
Focus Area: Series stories that propagate joy and inspiration within our community
Publisher Tommy Allen shares a collection of series stories that propagate joy within our community.
Grand Rapids teens become journalists through Voices of Youth program
Teenagers in the greater Grand Rapids area are using their voices to address the issues that affect them and their peers.
When it comes to fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, Michigan is a leader
As LGTBQ+ legislation changes, lives are continuously affected. Two teens share their insights as members of the LGTBQ+ community, including challenges, advocacy and recent legal changes.
Our Kent County school’s need for improved student understanding
High school students Addison Weed and Elsie Ries have noticed that our school could reap the benefits of greater diversification and inclusive dialogue. They told their story as part of the Voices of Youth project.
What’s being done? The effects of gun violence on Grand Rapidians
This article is part of Rapid Growth's Voices of Youth series, which features content created by Kent County youth in partnership with Rapid Growth staff mentors, as well as feature stories by adult writers that examine issues of importance to local youth. In this installment, Annette G. Vazquez and Vanely Bastardo Guzman examine Grand Rapids’ increasing gun violence.
Lack of staff in Michigan hospitals: What happened and why people are leaving
Businesses, health systems and universities are asking lawmakers to fix the health care crisis to avoid more reduction of hospital beds and health services and care.
Humane Society of West Michigan finds a 50-pound tortoise a forever home
Voices of Youth participant Ry Johnson spoke to to Aurora Lewis, lead foster organizer at the HSWM, about the animals that have been abandoned at the shelter, who shared a story about the 50-pound tortoise that was dropped off.
Increasing entertainment accessibility for the hard-of-hearing community
Northview High School Senior Evan Arnold currently studies American Sign Language and is asking big questions: "Why is it necessary to find an alternate source in order to provide equal access during a performance that is intended for everyone? And further, how can our Grand Rapids community work to continue bridging communication gaps during performances?"
Grand Rapids students share perspectives through Voices of Youth
Voices of Youth is a Rapid Growth program that connects high school students in the greater Grand Rapids area with paid journalism experience and opportunities. The cohort, which launched this month, consists of three in-person workshops where students learn journalism basics and how to go from story idea to published piece.
