Voices of Youth

Voices of Youth is a series that sees youth partnered with writing, photography, and art mentors to help capture their own perspective and narrative. Young reporters' work is featured in our publication, and the paid program is made possible with funding from the Skillman Foundation, and previously the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan.

Clifton "Clifnotes" Perry captures the sentiments shared during the youth listening session.

Los jóvenes opinan: ¿Qué cambiarían los miembros más jóvenes de nuestra comunidad? Se lo preguntamos

El Modelo D pasa tiempo con jóvenes de tres barrios diferentes de Detroit, escuchando lo que les gusta de sus comunidades y lo que esperan cambiar.

LayLa and Orlando Sherman pictured outside their home in Detroit.
Teen voices: How are our adolescents dealing with loss?

As many as 1.5 million children lost a parent, guardian or another family member during the first 14 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Detroit Writing Room and Coaching Detroit Forward journalism student LayLa Sherman, the trauma has been heavy. She shares her story, and the stories of her peers.

A performance of "Lift Every Voice" from March 2020
Voices of Youth: Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit teens talk about art, politics and finding hope

For teens who love to perform, the pandemic hasn't been easy. But these Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit teens are finding ways to cope and look to the future.

Friendship Cheer Program instructors Kathy Smith and Maria Streberger cheering with Gracie Trocino.
Voices of Youth: 3 Metro Detroit teens share their inspiring experiences with special needs program

For over two decades, Kids on the Go has been dedicated to serving children with special needs in the Grosse Pointe area. This year even a pandemic couldn't stop them from carrying out that mission.

Girls on the Run youth show off their running skills.
Voices of Youth: Southeast Michigan girls share joys of running and pandemic observations

For these girls, running has meant more than just a way to stay fit.

MSU Community Music School students in Detroit get ready to practice piano
Voices of Youth: Detroit area students open up about making music during the pandemic

Making music has been a source of inspiration during the pandemic for youth connected with the MSU Community Music School in Detroit.

Youth play soccer in a Ferndale Parks & Rec event
Voices of Youth: Ferndale Parks & Rec teens open up about pandemic life and the coming school year

Life during the pandemic hasn't been easy, but these Ferndale Parks and Recreation volunteer youth are persevering as they anticipate a new school year.

Young people share what's on their minds at the Neutral Zone.
Voices of Youth: Washtenaw teens share opinions on elections and community during COVID-19

These Ann Arbor teens have a lot to say about local politics, the recent primary, and the coming presidential election.

A group of Citywide Poets talk about their writing during a workshop.
Voices of Youth: Detroit’s Citywide Poets teens share feelings on poetry, BLM protests, and COVID-19

Teens involved with Detroit's Citywide Poets are deeply concerned about the state of the world during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Kaleigh Collins likes to draw, paint and work with clay.
Voices of Youth: Here’s how Mount Clemens area youth feel about creativity during COVID-19

These Anton Arts Center and Jermaine Jackson Community Center Youth are forging their own paths to self-expression during the pandemic.

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