Bay Area Teens Speak Up on KQED TV for a Second Year

During the annual Youth Takeover week this past April,  dozens of Bay Area high school students appeared on our television channels. In twenty-five youth-produced pieces, students explored a wide range of issues that matter to them from stopping xenophobia against Arab and Muslim communities to advocating for a cleaner and healthier San Francisco Bay. Twenty-five youth-produced pieces aired on KQED 9 and KQED+ in between regularly scheduled programming. These interstitials were broadcast 167 times between April 22nd – April 26th. Watch all 25 stories from these insightful and talented young people below:

Abraham Lincoln High School – San Francisco, CA

During their Youth Takeover field trip experience, students from Abraham Lincoln High School had the opportunity to participate in a new workshop utilizing the KQED digital production space. Students wrote and directed their own segments responding to the question, “What change do you want to see in the Bay Area by the time you are 50 years old?” KQED staff captured their responses.

The Change We’d Like to See (Cleaner Streets, Less Crime, and Homelessness) – Brooke A., Brandon L., Grant Y., Julio Z., and Donald L. share their thoughts about the changes they’d like to see in the Bay Area over the next 50 years

The Change We’d Like to See (Keeping our Streets Clean) – Jason T., Anthony T., Braydon C., Adam S., and Austin Z. share their thoughts about the changes they’d like to see in the Bay Area over the next 50 years.

The Change We’d Like to See (Homelessness) – Spencer N., Cruz S., and Tyler H. share their thoughts about the changes they’d like to see in the Bay Area over the next 50 years.

The Change We’d Like to See (Less Homelessness, Climate Change, Fewer Porch Pirates, and Better Food) – Benny B., Eric C., Garen Y., HaoRan S., and Jacky H. share their thoughts about the changes they’d like to see in the Bay Area over the next 50 years.

The Change We’d Like to See (Less Littering) – Randell F., Amirre M., Kenny C., and Valerie C. share their thoughts about the changes they’d like to see in the Bay Area over the next 50 years.

The Change We’d Like to See (Tourism to Mars) – Symphony C., ChiChun L., Selina M., and Ivy T. share their thoughts about the changes they’d like to see in the Bay Area over the next 50 years.

Students from Independence High School, Petaluma High School, and Woodside High School produced Youth Media Challenge videos in their classrooms with the support of our youth takeover team. These videos were then edited by KQED staff and packaged for television broadcast.

Independence High School – San Francisco

Bird Watching – Kayleigh Y. shares how educators at Independence High School in San Francisco are rethinking traditional high school models by introducing innovative courses like bird watching, where students can earn credits outside the classroom.

Petaluma High School – Petaluma, CA

Cheer – Emerson B. shares their experience of finding solace and a sense of belonging by joining the cheer team. Cheerleading not only helped them reconnect with themselves and their teammates but also provided valuable lessons in communication and cooperation, fostering a supportive community.

Environment – Linnea T. highlights the environment’s role as a sanctuary for rejuvenation and energy replenishment.

France – Bella H. interviews students from Petaluma High School about their dream travel destination: France! Then we hear from Petaluma High School’s French teacher as she shares the importance of learning a second language and the valuable perspectives it offers.

The Petaluma River – Landon H. and Peter K. share their thoughts on the Petaluma River. Learn about the threats posed by pollution from agricultural and housing developments, and find out how you can make a difference by participating in local river cleanups and supporting the health of the river by voting for candidates who advocate for cleanup efforts in local elections.

The Phoenix Theater – Tug D. discusses how The Phoenix Theater serves as a concert venue, skate park, and community center. It hosts all-age punk shows on weekends and provides a space for local youth to skate, socialize, and build their community during the week.

Podcasting for Mental Health Awareness – Kayla K., Zack M., and Suelayma G. tell us about the power of podcasting in spreading mental health awareness

The Polly Klaas Foundation – Emily A., Lauren G., and McKenna t. advocate for organizations like the Polly Klaas Foundation, which provides resources to support families of missing children and works to bring them home safely..

Proud 2 Pay – Dylan D. dives into the world of Bay Area rap with LaRussell Thomas as he shares his authentic journey as an independent artist and entrepreneur, breaking records and reshaping the music industry.

Women in Media – Ray J. and Amelia L. discuss the importance of female representation in media as crucial for inspiring young girls’ advocating for increased opportunities for women in the male-dominated field.

Women in Mountain Biking – Chloe D. and Sienna K. tell us about a women’s mountain biking team that is redefining the community. It’s a tight-knit group that prioritizes strength and camaraderie, fostering confidence and fearlessness both on and off the trails.

Woodside High School – Woodside, CA

A.I. In Media – Aaron W. and Keegan K. discuss generative AI and the growing concerns in the entertainment industry regarding its potential use in content creation for films and TV shows.

Abortion Rights – Kate O. explores the far-reaching consequences of legal decisions on reproductive healthcare, pointing out that in states where abortion is outlawed, medical education suffers, fueling polarization and misinformation.

Bipping in the Bay – Lucas P. Explores how San Francisco, formerly one of the most expensive cities, is now experiencing a population decline due to rising crime rates, particularly car break-ins known as “bipping.”

Closing Stores – Erin M. and Nora S. discuss the closure of their favorite childhood businesses due to redevelopment, symbolizing the broader economic struggles faced by small businesses in the wake of the pandemic.

Eutrophication – Dominic B. explores the environmental crisis facing the San Francisco Bay, highlighting the devastating effects of pollution and agricultural practices on its delicate ecosystem.

Homelessness – Kyla B. focuses on the homelessness crisis in the Bay Area, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive support including drug and mental health rehabilitation centers, alongside multi-service buildings providing housing, food, and essential support services.

Ocean Pollution – Maya W. cherishes California’s coastlines but notes the threat to marine life from habitat loss and pollution. She stresses the significance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in preserving habitats and combating harmful activities. Advocating for expanded MPAs, they aim to safeguard California’s marine legacy.

Stop Xenophobia Again Arab and Muslim Communities – Amelia W. and Nora S. highlight the alarming rise in xenophobic profiling and hate crimes against Arab and Muslim communities, emphasizing the urgent need for empathy, awareness, and denouncement of violence.

Explore more Youth Takeover pieces on the showcase.

Educators: Get Involved

• Bay Area: Applications are now open for the 2024-25 school year Youth Takeover classroom program and KQED Youth Advisory Board.
• Nationwide teachers: Incorporate the Youth Takeover into your classroom through the Youth Media Challenge.