Voices of Youth

Voices of Youth: Financial literacy required for Michigan students by 2028

Student debt, living expenses, credit card interest. Many students graduate from high school with little or no financial understanding. By 2028, all Michigan high schoolers will be required to take a financial literacy course. Ahead of the pack, Olivet High School plans to implement the requirement next year.

Voices of Youth: Plans for a sustainable Battle Creek

Voices of Youth Pablo Camargo Tang believes climate change is one of the most pressing issues of today. He wanted to find out what his community, Battle Creek, is doing to address the crisis.

Voices of Youth: Body image disorder explored through verse journalism and art

Voices of Youth Tanna Bliler chose to use 'verse journalism,' a term coined by poet Gwendolyn Brooks, to relay stories that reflect the traumatic impacts of body image disorder and to call attention to the issue. 

Voices of Youth: What’s next for Lakeview Square Mall?

Voices of Youth's Mason Allen has been going to Lakeview Square Mall "before I can remember." But over the years, he has watched the mall struggle against what's being called the "retail apocalypse." Allen speaks with a Battle Creek official to learn what changes are underfoot.

Voices of Youth: State’s largest high school Climate Symposium hosted by Calhoun County students

Calhoun County students are hosting Michigan's largest high school climate symposium. Representing seven school districts, these climate activists spent after-school hours organizing the event that features "Braiding Sweetgrass" author Robin Wall Kimmerer, among other climate standouts.

Voices of Youth: After-school forensics program builds community and confidence

After-school activities like forensics offer students ways to express themselves that are part debate, part performance art. Voices of Youth Sophia Pell takes a look at how Olivet High School's forensics and theater programs help students increase confidence and connect with youth throughout the state.

Voices of Youth: Calhoun County students gather at Youth Summit to envision a future without racism

“I’ve always been the kid who if something gets said by an adult, I’m always the one to question it. It’s more so with extended family that racism is more of an issue and a controversial subject. It’s important to communicate. A lot of it is thought about but never said. It’s like the elephant in the room.”

Kalamazoo youth climate action group calls attention to endangered snowpeople

"Here in the Midwest, making snowpeople is a quintessential part of childhood, and Kalamazoo youth are not ready to see that tradition end thanks to climate change."

Voices of Youth: Why do so many teens reach for energy drinks?

The Centers for Disease Control recommends adolescents avoid energy drinks due to risks of dehydration, heart complications, anxiety, and insomnia. Yet up to 40% of adolescents report consuming them. Why? VoY Writer Sophia Pell set to find out.

Voices of Youth: Breaking free from the mirror and understanding body dysmorphic disorder

Hangups about our bodies are common, especially in teens who identify as female. Sometimes, these dislikes evolve into obsessions and distortions. VOY Writer Lila McCarthy talks to a Battle Creek therapist about body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) — what it is and how to address it.

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