Voices of the Future program highlights student-led storytelling

EducationNonprofit

May 28

Written By Staff

Photo courtesy of NexGen Media GR Broadcast Academy

NexGen Media GR Broadcast Academy, a Grand Rapids-based program that equips students with hands-on skills in broadcasting and media, recognized its funders for the America250: Voices of the Future program during a special event held May 26 at Southtown Lofts, located at 640 Eastern Ave SE in Grand Rapids.

The initiative, part of the national America250 effort commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary, empowers students to create original content exploring the nation’s past, present, and future through community-driven storytelling and youth perspectives.

As part of the program, students produced original podcasts, including a featured interview with U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten. The interview, held at NexGen Media’s Southtown Lofts location, provided students with a unique opportunity to engage directly with civic leadership and gain real-world broadcasting experience.

NexGen’s America250 programming centers student voices, using short-form storytelling to build research, media production, and civic engagement skills while amplifying the perspectives of young people in the Grand Rapids community.

This work was made possible through the support of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), MiLEAP (through the 32n OST Grant), the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, the Wege Foundation, and Gentex Corporation. Support from the NEA through the national America250 initiative helps ensure alignment with a broader effort to elevate community voices and perspectives across the country in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

“It was truly a great event, and we are grateful to Congresswoman Hilary Scholten for taking the time to speak with our students,” said Dione Boles, Executive Director of Larlen Communication Inc. “At the heart of everything we do is creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and have their voices heard, because it’s all about the kids.”

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