Business Details
33 Years
experience
Youth Media Training & Content Creation
Founded in 1993, Youth Radio has been dedicated to empowering young content creators from underrepresented communities. Our mission focuses on providing immersive media arts education, industry mentorship, and career-track employment opportunities for BIPOC youth aged 14-24. We offer holistic support services including counseling and nutritional resources to foster personal and professional growth. Our trainees produce impactful stories, music, and art that challenge systemic inequities and reshape mainstream narratives. With decades of experience, we combine technical training in journalism, podcasting, and music production with civic engagement initiatives.Our team of seasoned professionals and industry experts maintains rigorous standards for quality while prioritizing youth leadership. Through national partnerships and distribution platforms, we amplify diverse voices that reflect contemporary social realities. Our organization has earned recognition through prestigious awards including the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia and Peabody Awards. We operate from our Oakland headquarters with regional hubs and a nationwide network of contributors. Committed to transparency and community impact, we annually report on outcomes that demonstrate our effectiveness in transforming media landscapes.
Services
Media Training
Music Production
Podcast Development
Interactive Design
Youth Mentorship
Content Distribution
Civic Engagement Programs
Nutritional Support
Counseling Services
Studio Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30-year track record training emerging BIPOC content creators
- Industry mentors from top media and music professionals
- Paid employment opportunities for youth participants
- Holistic support including counseling and nutritional services
- Award-winning platform with national distribution network
What people say
Award-winning programs
Excellent mentorship
Transformative opportunities
Inclusive platform
Quality content
Services
Media Training
Our immersive media arts curriculum teaches journalism, video production, and storytelling techniques to BIPOC youth. Participants gain hands-on experience creating content for national distribution while developing technical and critical thinking skills. The program combines classroom instruction with real-world production opportunities.
Music Production
YR Music offers comprehensive music creation and business training through our in-house production department. Youth learn composition, recording techniques, and industry operations while creating original music for commercial and media applications. The program includes mentorship from professional musicians and producers.
Podcast Development
We train youth in podcast creation through our Adult ISH program and other initiatives. Participants learn audio production, storytelling, and distribution strategies while creating content for national platforms like Radiotopia. The program emphasizes authentic youth perspectives and technical mastery.
Interactive Design
Our Interactive department teaches data visualization, web design, and digital storytelling techniques. Youth transform complex journalism into engaging digital experiences using coding, design, and data analysis skills. The program emphasizes innovation at the intersection of technology and storytelling.
Youth Mentorship
Industry professionals provide personalized guidance through our mentorship programs. Mentors help youth navigate career paths, develop portfolios, and build professional networks. The program connects trainees with opportunities in media, music, and creative industries while fostering long-term career growth.
People
Ellin O'Leary
Founder
Visionary journalist who established Youth Radio in 1993 to amplify underrepresented youth voices through media creation and civic engagement initiatives.
Julius Toledo
Board Chair
Experienced leader guiding Youth Radio's strategic direction while maintaining commitment to youth empowerment and media innovation.
Neha Tiwari
Board Co-Vice Chair
Community-focused leader supporting organizational growth and diversity initiatives in media education and content creation.
Dometi Pongo
Equity Advocate
Champion of equitable conversations who develops programs ensuring diverse representation in media narratives and production practices.
Rebecca Martin
Youth Development Director
Dedicated professional managing mentorship programs that connect emerging creators with industry resources and career opportunities.
Questions
What age groups does YR Media serve?
We work with BIPOC youth aged 14-24 through our training programs and media production opportunities.
How can young creators get involved?
Apply to our Media Education programs or submit content through our online portal for potential publication.
Do you offer paid opportunities for youth?
Yes, we provide paid career-track employment through our production departments and partner networks.
What types of media do you produce?
We create journalism, podcasts, music, interactive content, and visual storytelling across multiple platforms.
Are your programs available outside California?
While based in Oakland, we have a Chicago hub and collaborate with contributors nationwide through digital platforms.
How is YR Media funded?
We receive support from foundations, individual donors, program revenue, and government grants listed in our annual reports.
