Voices of Youth

Voices of Youth: Classroom ‘Cozy Corner’ lets teens take emotional break

Pillows and nooks aren't just for elementary school classrooms. Adolescents also benefit from an inviting, comfy space to take a time out.  One Loy Norris High School teacher created a classroom Cozy Corner — and her students are benefiting. 

What are young voters’ concerns? KalaSalon hosts Young Adult Voters Panel to find out

Local organization KalaSalon invited young adults from the area to answer questions about their views on the upcoming 2024 elections.

Voices of Youth: Kalamazoo youth ‘at forefront’ in fight to decrease gun violence and its impacts

"The vision for Kalamazoo after the success of the program is a community that knows how to self-regulate, not only when traumatic experiences happen, but in their daily lives."

Voices of Youth: Youth advisory councils give youth experience seeking and funding solutions

Foundation-based youth advisory councils provide a valuable opportunity for youth to speak up about issues and solutions they think will matter.

Voices of Youth: Meet the man helping to make Kalamazoo a more sustainable city

The City of Kalamazoo aims to be 'net zero' by 2050. Kalamazoo's Sustainability Planner Justin Gish plans to help the city get there. VOY's Dmitri Agdanowski sits down with Gish to find out more.

Voices of Youth: Is face-to-face communication a ‘dying art’?

“There are times when students would rather listen to the Bible in Chinese and Mozart at two times speed than listen to their teacher." Cell phones have become the 'third person' in the room of any in-person conversation. What are the impacts?

Artist/Designer: Mahdi Hassnawi. Please see Artist's Statement below.
Voices of Youth: The price of fast fashion — Is it worth it?

“I think the metaphor that sticks with me is like if you buried it in the woods, would it be there when you came back 20 years later? I want my clothing to add to the planet and not take away from the planet, and so I try as much as possible to only sew with things that will biodegrade so that they are not going to follow future generations.”

Voices of Youth: How DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in the art of business

In its 78th year, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), an international after-school club, continues to provide local youth with opportunities to develop products and apps, market, present their ideas, and prepare for their futures.

Voices of Youth: Student-athletes need mental health support, too

It's not uncommon to take the mental health of student-athletes for granted. Studies suggest that although most teens develop improved resilience through athletics, others experience stress, anxiety, mood disorders, and more that may be less visible due to the stress-related impacts of training and competition.

Voices of Youth: Self-driving vehicles are coming to Calhoun County — ready or not

While the technology is still developing, it's only a matter of time before driverless cars come to Battle Creek — and to other cities across the state. Three larger cities already have robotaxies. What are some advantages to self-driving vehicles and how do we prepare?

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