Philadelphia Youth Media Collaborative receives grant

Posted by on November 19, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  November 12, 2012
Contact Person: Laura Deutch, PYMC Coordinator
Telephone: 484-201-6063
Website: http://www.phillyyouthmedia.org

PYMC Puts Youth Media on the National Map with Support from The Philadelphia Foundation

The Philadelphia Youth Media Collaborative receives a $50,000 grant from The Philadelphia Foundation to strengthen and amplify Philadelphia’s vibrant Youth Media sector.

Youth Media is a process by which young people develop critical thinking, team building, communication and technical skills to produce media that reflects their experiences, concerns  and aspirations.  Youth media skills are 21st century skills.  From the material to the digital, youth media merges diverse creative communication practices with educational and civic minded goals.  Therefore, it is not surprising that the youth media field has been quick to embrace a networked  approach.  From New York to Chicago, the Bay Area to the Twin Cities, and now in Philadelphia,  emerging networks reflect the role of media in bridging these diverse fields.

Philadelphia has always been at the forefront of movements for media justice. Now, with a growing technology sector as well, PYMC is uniquely positioned to provide a platform  to amplify the voices of youth and equip them with the skills and connections to participate as creative producers  locally, while contributing to national dialogues as well.

In our first year of work, generously supported by The Philadelphia Foundation, PYMC created a professional learning community and network to deepen relationships and leverage resources among program providers in Philadelphia. The creation of this foundational network has created new opportunities for youth to share their work with wider audiences and meet other youth media makers. By leveraging the expertise of longstanding organizations with new partnerships, PYMC members have contributed to collaborative multimedia projects on issues, which impact young Philadelphians.

These projects include Education Apocalypse, a 15-minute music video which comments on the school closings in Philadelphia, created in collaboration with student organizers from Youth United for Change, teen artists and filmmakers from the Art Factory, and resources and training from PhillyCAM (Community Access Media). Emerging projects like Philly Youth Radio, which was founded in 2011, in response to the alarming level of violence and bullying experienced by youth in Philadelphia has established a national presence with online distribution from PRX (Public Radio Exchange) and gained local broadcast exposure through their relationship with WHYY and PhillyCAM. Dynamic and interdisciplinary projects such as Mixplace Studio are also pushing the boundaries of ‘youth media.’  When 10 students from West Philadelphia started meeting regularly at the Slought Foundation, facilitated by Positive Minds, People’s Emergency Center and supported by a cohort of ‘floating faculty’ they learned multi-media tools, interviewing skills, research and design approaches to investigate and define the future possibilities of their changing neighborhood.

In the coming year, PYMC will facilitate the formation of a Youth Committee to plan, develop and implement teen-specific programming.  In the summer of 2013, PYMC will host a Regional Youth Media convening. PYMC strengthens, connects, and promotes organizations that engage youth in the creation, analysis, and distribution of media. Formed in 2009, PYMC members engage over 3000 children and youth between the ages of 13-19 each year. We welcome participation from diverse city-wide partners and invite new members to join us. Our monthly meetings and professional development events provide spaces for networking and exchange between program providers, educators, and community stakeholders.

The Philadelphia Foundation, a public charity, is Southeastern Pennsylvania’s leading center for community philanthropic engagement and is committed to improving the quality of life in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties through funds established by its donors. Established in 1918, The Philadelphia Foundation continues to help donors harness their generosity and vision by providing tools, knowledge and financial stewardship directed to maximize the strategic impact of charitable contributions. Grants from more than 775 charitable funds strengthen the effectiveness of nonprofits and support programs that are vital to the people of this region.