Writing the Future: Youth Journalism as a Pathway to Community Service and Careers

K-12 STEAM education

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

In LA County, Boyle Heights has the lowest median income and the highest density of active gangs. After school activities for youth, particularly a journalism and community engagement program like Boyle Heights Beat (BHB) is vital. They provide structured opportunities for youth to develop essential skills in communication, leadership, and creativity. Students are empowered to discuss and report on issues that directly impact their lives, from gentrification and immigration to cultural traditions and school-related concerns. This involvement not only educates them but also instills a sense of agency and pride as they see their work published. As part of programming, we provide them with a safe place to work with meals and wifi, even outside of program hours. Ultimately, our program empowers them to become active contributors in LA, fostering resilience and shaping a brighter future through informed civic engagement.

Since 2010, BHB has trained more than 300 student journalists and become a primary source of critical community news for thousands of Boyle Heights residents. As a community journalism and youth development training program, BHB builds capacity and leadership for youth storytellers; strengthening research, writing and analytical skills and preparing youth for higher education as well as career training. By adopting a model that involves local youth in the reporting process, BHB ensures that the stories and voices of Boyle Heights are represented authentically and comprehensively. Our team trains high school students from local schools such as Roosevelt High School and Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet, Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez High School providing invaluable opportunities for young people to engage in journalism. This approach not only fosters a new generation of reporters but also ensures that the content produced is deeply rooted in the community’s experiences and perspectives. The involvement of youth reporters in producing content for print, digital, audio, and video platforms enables BHB to cover a wide array of topics. This grassroots reporting helps highlight the community's strengths and positive aspects, counteracting the often negative portrayals by mainstream media. Participants in the Beat’s youth program report increased confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills, as well as broadening their education and potential workplace skills.

After 14 years, we know our program can successfully equip students with skills they need to succeed in college and to start successful careers in a wide variety of fields. Some BHB alumni have returned to mentor new students, or to work at our organization full time. Reporters who have participated in BHB have bucked the low educational attainment trend in their community by going on to four-year public universities within California, including UC Berkeley, USC, UCLA, and Cal State Long Beach and others. BHB will join LA Local News Initiative, a nonprofit local news organization dedicated to covering LA. Over the next few years, the organization will be launching additional hyperlocal community publications with engagement and student programs like BHB in more neighborhoods, with the goal of equipping more residents of LA with the skills to participate in information gathering, and also more original reporting relevant to their daily lives.

The program model has a proven track record, evidenced by the number of stories by youth, a growing social media presence, and bi-annual student surveys. These surveys show significant growth in writing, research, and reporting skills, as well as improved self-perception and community awareness. Boyle Heights Beat trains youth reporters in critical thinking, writing, reporting, research, community engagement, and leadership. It strengthens their community connections and provides skills for leadership. It empowers them as storytellers who focus beyond their daily problem and on their community.
Only 20% of Boyle Heights adults finish high school, and just 6% graduate from college. Our program motivates students to stay in school, pursue higher education, and build successful careers. There is an increase in program graduates wanting to pursue journalism in college and professionally. Alumni have gone on to careers in journalism, law, education, and public service.