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ti Yours R>4vro The Organization A. Aistorv and Mission Youth Radio evolved out of Youth News, which existed from 1979-89. Building on the successes of that program, Youth Radio was established in 1992 as a training program for teenagers in broadcasting and journalism that brings youth voices to the airwaves. Through an intensive course of hands-on study, one-on-one relationships with adults, and direct production of their own programs, young people gain skills, contacts, and self-esteem that help them succeed in the world. For those who go on to pursue a career in broadcasting, Youth Radio opens avenues for those traditionally shut out of the best jobs in the field-girls, people of color, and low-income youth. Although many teens enter the program intending to become disc jockeys, they soon discover the motivation and support needed to acquire skills in language arts, such as writing and presenting scripted material on the air, interviewing, and reporting. Students also discover that there is a wider world of career opportunities in broadcasting, including sound recording, film and video, and new technologies such as multi-media. Training in the latest digital technologies-Youth Radio students learn on some of the best equipment in the Bay Area- gives young people the inside track in the computer revolution in media production. At Youth Radio, young people learn more than the technical side of media production. The program fosters each student's ability to express ideas, think critically, and resolve conflicts. Through trusting relationships with their peers and caring adults, students build confidence, hope, and the ability to focus on creating a positive future for themselves. These qualities are essential for meeting the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood, including success in any field of work. Youth Radio participants are primarily from "at risk" high schools in the San Francisco Bay Area. Young people are recruited from schools and youth programs in the wider East Bay and, to a lesser extent, San Francisco. Students aze chosen through a competitive application process that emphasizes participation by girls, people of color, and low-income youth. Of the students trained to date, 82% have been low-income, and 52% are girls. African-Americans have made up 43% of the students, Asians 18%, Latinos 16%, Caucasians 19% and Arab and Native Americans 4%. Beyond the Bay Area, young people in 17 community collaboratives across California are being trained in media advocacy skills. They are mentored and encouraged by Youth Radio teams of professionals and youth, working together to expand youth participation in local and statewide violence prevention efforts. A growing number of youth serving organizations in the Bay Area are asking Youth Radio for this type of technical assistance--youth training youth in how to use the media to their best advantage. To reach young people who are most vulnerable, who fall outside the loop of positive engagement, Youth Radio has adapted its 10-week hands-on curriculum for the special needs of incazcerated youth. Two staff people lead an intensive weekly training effort at Log Cabin Ranch, under the auspices of The San Francisco Probation Department. One of the goals of these violence ~;omm. Dia 7~S• OS Pilo N®. eY 1'reserde~ /tSED C- Dote_----- - F BBt. TM ~~r County Louncil ibt I,.~~~11~,p 1 ~ 19Q8