Youth Reporters & Community Stories
Young people learn to interview, write, photograph, film, edit, and tell the stories of their community.
What Is Youth Reporters & Community Stories?
Youth Reporters & Community Stories is an HMAE youth media initiative that gives students real-world opportunities to interview community members, document local stories, and create written, photographic, and video content for publication.
Students learn through short training sessions and real projects, gradually developing skills in interviewing, writing, photography, video production, editing, communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Selected stories may be published on the HMAE website, social media, and YouTube channel, creating a growing archive of community voices and experiences.
Who Can Join
No previous media experience is required. Curiosity, responsibility, and a willingness to learn are more important.
- Students interested in interviewing, writing, photography, video, community stories, or media production
- Willingness to attend basic training before taking on assignments
- Ability to communicate respectfully and work as part of a team
- Commitment to completing accepted assignments
- Parent or guardian permission for participants under 18
- Agreement to follow HMAE privacy, media, safety, and publication guidelines
Interviewing & Story Preparation
Researching a story, preparing interview questions, active listening, follow-up questions, interview etiquette, consent and privacy, fact-checking, and writing a short story or recap.
Video Editing & Story Production
Organizing footage, selecting strong clips, basic editing, audio and captions, titles and credits, B-roll, privacy and copyright basics, and preparing videos for web and social media.
How the Program Works
Learn → Practice → Report → Produce → Lead → Mentor
Learn — Attend basic skills training.
Practice — Complete guided exercises and small assignments.
Report — Take on a real community story.
Produce — Create written, photo, or video content.
Lead — Take greater responsibility for projects and HMAE media.
Mentor — Help support and train newer youth participants.
Join HMAE Youth
Interested in becoming part of HMAE Youth? Complete the membership form and tell us about your interests, skills, and the kinds of projects you would like to explore.
Participation is not dependent on making a donation.
Support Youth Reporters & Community Stories
Parent and community support helps HMAE provide training, media tools, program materials, and opportunities for young people to document and share community stories.
please include the program name in your Zelle or check memo.
