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.
Through hands-on projects, collaborative learning, and authentic audience engagement, students explore issues and ideas that matter to them and their communities. Rising Youth Voice encourages students to refine their research, storytelling, media production, and communication skills while developing confidence in sharing their perspectives.
As part of the WITF/Pennon Education Youth Voice pathway, Rising Youth Voice provides a meaningful next step for students, creating continuity in their learning journey and helping them grow from emerging storytellers into informed, engaged content creators and civic participants.
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.
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.
Want to stay in the loop for Rising Youth Voice events? Add your email address to get updates.
Previous Rising Youth Voice Programs
Keystone Curious
Through collaboration and the use of modern digital framework and recording tools, 4th grade history experts from Susquenita Elementary School in partnership with their high school mentors produced original, thoughtfully researched podcasts focused on Pennsylvania history.
At Galentine’s Podcast Night, young creators stepped into the studio to research, reflect, and record stories of inspiring women from Pennsylvania’s past and present. Through connection and creativity, students transformed legacy into living voice, discovering how these trailblazers shape who they are becoming today!
Curiosity Curators: Mysterious Science 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? Because our 7-12 summer offerings are not designed as full days, students do not need to pack a lunch. However, students are welcome and encouraged to bring their own snack and drink.
How are drop-off and pickup handled? For the Rising Youth Voice Summer Camp offered to students entering grades 7 and 8, an authorized adult (parent/guardian/other) will need to enter the lobby with the student to sign students in at the start of their camp and sign them out at the end of their camp. Drop-off begins at 8:15am and pick-up is at noon at the front entrance of the WITF Public Media Center located at 4801 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17111.
We understand that some students participating in the Youth Voice Imperative 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 the weekly sessions.
If you would prefer that your child be picked up by a designated adult at the conclusion of each session, please contact Julia Lennox at julia_lennox@witf.org.
As you enter the WITF parking lot, located on Keckler Road, you’ll take the ramp to the right up to a small lot in front of the building, where you’ll find accessibility spaces. You may park there for drop off and pick up. The front entrance is easily accessible from there.
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 camp? We reserve the right to cancel camps 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 campers? Pennon Education does not offer a sibling discount at this time.
