Youth Building a Podcast

                                                                                           WE ARE SEEKING VISIONARY SPONSORS!!!
WHY DCY~OPP ACADEMY?

With almost 66% of youth under the age of 19 in Wayne County reading below a third-grade level, the better question is “Why not?” Why not, plant ourselves wherever children and youth are to talk to them about the world of journalism? Why not explore these opportunities with children who would most likely never consider journalism or realize their talent! Why not let them see themselves in the young people we select and think for maybe the first time, “I can do that!” “I’d like to try that!” Why not take children of color along with children of every race and culture and allow them to experience a dream they never knew existed.

Why? Because it is well documented that poverty and academic achievement are inversely connected (MLPP, 2015). In fact, poverty is connected with much that negatively impacts our children and youth. DCY~Opp can’t immediately eliminate poverty, but we can empower youth with OPPortunities that could lead to financial independence in the long run, and better self-esteem in the interim.

Our students range from untapped and uncelebrated excellence all the way to highly awarded and high achieving academics, and we challenge, prod, and celebrate each of them.


WHO BELONGS TO THE DCY~OPP ACADEMY?

Metro-Detroit youth ages 11-17 who have skills in public speaking, photography, graphic design, coding, editing, writing, or a desire to learn, as well as the time to commit to reporting and article assignments. Our students come to us highly recommended by teachers, counselors, and community leaders from public and private schools, and some are home-schooled. Many are selected by DCY~Opp because we recognized potential and ambition. With over 80% of our students being raised in single family homes, and many with incomes below or near poverty level, the Academy is the only opportunity some of our young people have outside of the school setting to excel, learn and increase their self-worth. Our youth represent a diverse mix of socio-economic backgrounds.

 Here is a sample of our youth at work “on location”.

Trevon M., age 11 entering the 6th grade served on his first panel for the Detroit Chapter of National Association of Black Journalist. Here he is reporting live from the L.I.T.E. Fest Fireworks sponsored by Ford Resource and Engagement Center.
https://youtu.be/QhogZwtd0r8


And here is Trevon trying his skills with Councilman James Tate!

Chloe C., age 15 entering 11th grade, aspiring sports columnist meeting a seasoned sports journalist.
https://youtu.be/Wb6bWgxdR1s

 Jourdin R., age 17 entering her senior year with plans to major in journalism. She is our junior editor.
https://youtu.be/NUM1GBPbWh8
 
TESTIMONIALS... Words from Our Youth & Their Parents:

 Imani P., age 13 enjoys dance and photography: 

“I would like to be a photographer because it would be a good experience.  Also, to learn how to properly take pictures and edit them.”

 Trevon M. on the Academy: “I feel that the DCY~Opp program is needed to inspire kids younger and older than me (sic) to do great things in life. Also, to inspire all of our African American people (to realize) that they can do so much more than a basic job.  That's why I think the DCY~Opp program (that I'm included in) is needed.”

Dallas F. is 11 and has been selected by FREC to be their student reporter: “DCY~Opp has provided my family, especially my 11-year-old daughter, with so many wonderful teachable moments.  I feel like they saw something in her that I knew always existed but did not quite know how to bring it out.  Dallas has been sharpening her communication and vocabulary skills without the day-to-day stress she experiences at school. She’s been able to meet some wonderful performers and work very closely with the magazine’s editors who have been phenomenal mentors. Our family is beyond grateful we met DCY Magazine.”

Madison P. is 16 and is our youth co-editor: “I believe youth need DCY~Opp academy for exposure. In the inner-city, children are more often than not exposed to crime, violence and the street, rather than journalism, writing and public speaking. We, as youth are growing up in a world where we no longer have a voice in our community. I believe the Academy will provide a safe open space for children who are willing to learn public speaking and journalism and to become a voice of Detroit.”


DCY-OPP COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS

JOURNALISM & BROADCAST COMMUNICATION MAJORS OPPORTUNITIES

We offer journalism/broadcast students who are majoring in journalism volunteer opportunities to teach, mentor and work alongside our young people to create a true journalism experience, including broadcasting their own variety show production and a bi-monthly magazine.

Scholarships

We value the youth within our community, and in addition to offering experience, opportunity and mentorship in a safe space, it is our desire to kickstart their educational journey with scholarships in the fields of journalism, broadcast, and communication. Our goal is to strengthen each youth who participates in the Academy academically with financial support and enrichment.

HOW CAN I HELP?

Our growth has been in response to the needs of the young people involved in the Academy. Our website provides a glimpse of our young people at work. To offer them all that they need and deserve we need the following:


❖ $$$ For RENTAL SPACE is needed for the youth to meet and work on producing and publishing

❖ $$$ For PROFESSIONAL CAMERA/VIDEOTAPING & MICROPHONE EQUIPMENT for location reporting


❖ $$$ For PROFESSIONALLY FACILITATED WORKSHOPS for our youth staff

❖ $$$ Your financial contributions will assist in sustaining our program & equipment purchases & maintenance


Check out our website...and please help this exciting program...GROW. GROW. GROW.

https://dcyoppmagazine.com/