Voices of Youth

Voices of Youth: Transportation and getting to school, a photo story

The latest installment in the Voices of Youth series looks at transportation and getting to school and discusses solutions to late buses. 

Voices of Youth: While some teens fear the police, veteran cop is hopeful relations can improve

That youth fear of police is one of the longtime consequences of criminalizing youth, of surveilling youth. Many schools have a police officer there. The idea is that they’re supposed to be keeping people safe. Even young people who’ve never personally had a negative interaction with law enforcement can be fearful, say those who study criminal justice.  

Voices of Youth: How can Gen Z get reliable news?

Young people including some students at Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo are among millions of teens who are confronted with an endless number of choices about where to get their news and information on a daily basis. The endless choices make it challenging to know if a site is credible or not. That makes them cautious when online.

Voices of Youth: Some Kalamazoo students still recovering from isolation of virtual school

A virtual school year proved difficult for both teachers and students. While teachers tried to connect, some students said they felt isolated at home. One solution is creating a safe classroom where teachers take an individualized approach to students’ mental health.

Voices of Youth marks second year of empowering youth to offer solutions to issues affecting them

Voices of Youth lifts up the issues important to youth in our community. This year the youth wanted to report on transportation, youth mental health, and policing.

Voices of Youth: Ella Johnson finds many ways to help the homeless

Food, toiletries, and warm blankets are all part of what Ella Johnson and her family distribute to those homeless individuals they find. 

Voices of Youth: Calhoun Area Career Center students reveal positive secrets about their communities

What positive secrets should be known to the public about the community? Eighteen Calhoun County high school seniors answer that question in words and graphics.

Voices of Youth: Kalamazoo youth offer ideas on what a youth teen center should be

Dozens of young people – including high schoolers, middle schoolers, and even elementary-aged students -- came together this summer to offer their input on what a youth and teen facility in their community should look like.

Voices of Youth Battle Creek: Back to School by Jamiaya Nowling