Evaluating the Long-Term Impact of Youth Media Programs

A group of Chicago youth media organizations, the Chicago Youth Voices Network, have embarked on an evaluation process to assess the degree to which hands-on education in media production and distribution contributes to developing productive, independent, and engaged citizens.

Over the course of the next year, the Social IMPACT Research Center will work with youth media organizations in Chicago to interview and study adult alumni of youth media programs. The Social IMPACT Research Center (IMPACT) is a nonprofit organization that investigates social issues and solutions to inform and equip those working toward a just global society. Together, these teams recently released a report to establish the state of the field in Chicago. From Page to Stage and Screen and Beyond outlines the history of youth media education, defines the variety of skills that youth media programs teach (e.g. journalism, radio, documentary), and highlights the achievements of specific Chicago organizations taking innovative approaches to this vital education that students may not otherwise have access to in their K-12 curricula.