Kyla Hubbard 
The best thing about Chicago is all of our hidden gems. This wonderful city has many different programs, jobs, and opportunities for everybody and especially the youth. I just learned about The Chicago Youth Voices Network (CYVN), a group of youth media organizations working together to educate the youth and expose them to once in a lifetime opportunities. You may know a few of them like True Star, Mikva Challenge, or Young Chicago Authors most notable for being home of Louder Than A Bomb. Through Chicago-centric, project based learning these organizations help participants gain a sense of self and tell their story using digital media.
Yollocali Arts Reach is an initiative of the National Museum of Mexican Art that provides art and culture programs to show the importance of art expression and teach teens how to hone in on their artistic abilities. Street Level offers video and music production, digital photography, and stop-motion animation programs to teens interested in telling their own stories. These are just a few members of the CYVN, so you can see the wave that they are on! They are making FREE resources available to teens, so we can talk about what we want to say.
As a Chicago teen, you should be getting involved! My experience with True Star has exposed me to new friends outside of school, knowledge in media production, and given me a voice to express what matters to me. All of the programs in the CYVN strive to provide teens with more resources and guidance to pursue careers in media. It’s rare that adults actually listen to us and pour into teens, yet the CYVN flawlessly creates environments led by teens and incorporates their interests and concerns. This is something all teens in Chicago have access to, so think about uncovering one of these not so hidden gems. It may just be worth it.
P.S. It will be. For more info about The Chicago Youth Voices Network visit their website by clicking here.
By Kyla Hubbard, Senior, Whitney M Young Magnet High School
Instagram: @kyy.r
