Youth Voice is more than a podcasting program, it’s a space where students turn their ideas, experiences, and creativity into stories that matter. Rooted in the 3 I’s, students are inspired to explore their ideas and perspectives through interviews, music, and storytelling, learning how to use their voice to initiate change through what they create and ultimately making an impact by reaching and resonating with others.
Whether you love speaking, writing, editing audio, or sharing opinions on topics you care about, Youth Voice gives you the tools to launch your ideas into action and create content for YOU by youth.
Curiosity Curators is a creative space where students explore the world through questions, storytelling, media, and discovery. Students become “curators” of ideas, researching topics they care about, uncovering unique perspectives, and sharing their findings through podcasts, interviews, digital media, and collaborative projects. Curiosity Curators helps students turn curiosity into powerful conversations and meaningful content.
Rising Youth Voice is a middle school experience designed to bridge the gap between elementary and high school initiatives. Building on foundational skills developed through elementary experiences in digital creation, storytelling, and inquiry, students deepen their abilities as communicators, creators, and critical thinkers while preparing for more advanced opportunities in high school.
Curiosity Curators is a creative space where students explore the world through questions, storytelling, media, and discovery. Students become “curators” of ideas, researching topics they care about, uncovering unique perspectives, and sharing their findings through podcasts, interviews, digital media, and collaborative projects. Curiosity Curators helps students turn curiosity into powerful conversations and meaningful content.
Rising Youth Voice is a middle school experience designed to bridge the gap between elementary and high school initiatives. Building on foundational skills developed through elementary experiences in digital creation, storytelling, and inquiry, students deepen their abilities as communicators, creators, and critical thinkers while preparing for more advanced opportunities in high school.
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Program Offerings
Podcasting
Morning: 8:30am – Noon
Students will step into the role of Curiosity Curators, diving into the strangest, most fascinating questions that make science unforgettable. Why do volcanoes erupt? How do bees turn nectar into honey? Students will choose their own mysterious science topic based on what sparks their curiosity.
Students will research their selected topic, learn how to ask compelling questions, and uncover surprising facts behind everyday (and not-so-everyday) phenomena. With guidance from Pennon educators and professionals in storytelling and audio production, students will transform big questions into an engaging podcast, designed to inform and intrigue a broader audience.
Visual Storytelling & Media Production
Afternoon: 1pm – 4:30pm
Students will bring science topics to life through dynamic visuals and creative media. Working alongside production experts, students will learn how to capture eye-catching footage and create visuals that make mysterious science topics come to life!
By the end of the week, students who participated in both sessions will have a multimedia science story, combining audio and visuals, that reflects their personal interests, creativity, and curiosity.
Summer Camp Scholarships are available to eligible families. To learn more or to apply, contact Jennifer Eley at jennifer_eley@pennon.org.
The Youth Voice Imperative is made possible with the support from:
Anne M. & Philip H. Glatfelter III Family Foundation
FAQs
What will students have access to in the Digital Creator Studio? Students do not need to have any of their own technology to participate. Students will have access to professional production equipment to produce their very own digital creations. This includes MacBooks, iPads, podcasting and video recording equipment, a green screen, and editing software.
Do students need to pack lunch? Students who are enrolled in both morning and afternoon sessions are invited to pack a lunch and remain at PMC with the teachers during the lunch hour.
How are drop-off and pickup handled? We understand that some students participating in the Youth Voice Imperative programs may be driving themselves to and from the program and, as such, do not require an authorized adult (parent, guardian, or other) to sign them in or out of sessions.
If you would prefer that your student in grades 8-12 be picked up by a designated adult at the conclusion of each session, please contact Jennifer Eley at jennifer_eley@pennon.org.
For students in grades 6-8, an authorized adult (parent/guardian/other) will need to enter the lobby with the student to sign in at the start of their session and sign them out at the end of their session.
Morning and all-day drop-off begins at 8:15am. Pick-up for students enrolled in a morning-only session is at noon.
Drop-off for students enrolled in an afternoon-only session is from 12:45pm – 1:00pm.
End of day pick-up for afternoon and all-day sessions is at 4:30pm at the front entrance of the WITF Public Media Center located at 4801 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17111.
What is the cancellation policy? Full refunds will be issued to cancellations made at least 14 days prior to the start of the program. Cancellations or changes made less than 14 calendar days before the program starts will incur a $50 fee. Cancellations or changes made less than 7 calendar days before the first day of the program are not eligible for a refund.
How do I request a registration cancellation or change? To request a refund or change to your registration, contact Jennifer Eley at jennifer_eley@pennon.org or 717-910-2641. Refund requests will be responded to within 5 business days.
What if Pennon Education cancels the sessions? We reserve the right to cancel sessions that do not meet the minimum enrollment requirement. Should this occur, a full refund will be offered.
Does Pennon Education offer a sibling discount for multiple students? Pennon Education does not offer a sibling discount at this time.
