Now in its 20th year, the Spirit of Youth awards recognize the hard work and efforts of future leaders who utilize this opportunity to share their inspiring and heartwarming stories.
Read MoreSpirit of Youth unites Alaskans of all ages and walks of life. Our vision for the future is that all Alaska’s youth will be included heard and empowered.
Read MoreFor the 20 Year Anniversary of the Spirit of Youth Awards, we reconnected with past honorees to find out how recognition influenced them as youth and, later, as adults.
Read MoreBack in the ‘90s, Anchorage teen Marie Craig, now Marie Acemah, opened the Crooked Rascal, a small shop in downtown Anchorage. The store sold records and zines from across the U.S. It was also a community space aimed at fostering creativity—patrons could borrow a shared film camera, or sit down to write at a communal […]
Read MoreOn November 5, Youth Vote and Story Works Alaska members Jasmine Carter, Olive Spohnholz-Johnson and Tuan Graziano attended the International Bullying Prevention Association Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
Read MoreIn November, Alaska Teen Media Institute conducted a workshop on digital storytelling at the 64th annual Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) conference in downtown Anchorage. Student leaders from all across Alaska were in attendance.
Read MoreKNBA youth health reporters created these two public service announcements about bullying behavior. Reporters worked with the Alaska Teen Media Institute staff throughout the summer of 2017 to produce online and broadcast features and public service announcements focused on promoting wellness to preventing teen suicide.
Read MoreIn this podcast series, Story Works Alaska and Alaska Teen Media Institute producers discuss bullying, why it happens, how it happens and what can be done to stop it. Each podcast features stories from a different perspective of bullying and its effects, both physical and psychological. Each story is true and told by an Alaska […]
Read MoreSpirit of Youth Bullying Prevention Campaign Grants Spirit of Youth is working to improve behavioral health of Anchorage youth. In 2014, Spirit of Youth began working in partnership with the Anchorage Collaborative Coalitions (ACC) on an in-depth community needs assessment to identify behavioral health issues in our city. Through community input and local data, we […]
Read MoreOne of the best ways to get a pulse on a community, is to step out in the streets and start asking questions. That’s just what Lynette Guanzon and Kendrick Whiteman have done as a part of their paid internship with the Alaska Teen Media Institute. In journalism that pulse is called a vox pop […]
Read MoreThe Spirit of Youth annual report is now available online. Read about Spirit of Youth’s many accomplishments over the last year including new community partnerships across the state of Alaska. The annual report also includes information on the 2017 Spirit of Youth Award Recipients, highlights from the Alaska Teen Media Institute and a message […]
Read MoreHomer’s Haven House is a shelter that offers a safe space for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and provides vital support to families in need. Several years ago, the organization’s director noticed that the children’s room at the shelter had become neglected. One 12 year old decided to make a difference. Aviva Hirsch […]
Read MoreBecome part of a group of caring individuals whose efforts champion Alaska’s youth. Spirit of Youth has set a goal to raise $7,500 by the end of our fiscal year June 30th. Any size of donation is greatly appreciated. Donors who give $200 or more between now and June 30th will be recognized on the […]
Read MoreFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— Anchorage, Alaska (March 13, 2017)- 16 teens and youth groups from communities across the state of Alaska to be recognized at the 19th Annual Spirit of Youth Awards WHAT: The Spirit of Youth Awards highlights dedicated young people and unsung heroes from around Alaska. Now in its 19th year, the awards recognize […]
Read MoreSamir Akal – Anchorage Samir Akal came to Anchorage two years ago after leaving a refugee camp in Egypt. Going above and beyond what was required of him, Samir has achieved a high level of academic success. But his hard work has not stopped there. Living with diabetes himself, Samir hopes to help others combat […]
Read MoreYouth from across the state of Alaska will be honored for their hard work and contributions to the community at the Spirit of Youth Awards, March 23, 6pm at the Anchorage Marriott Hotel. Purchase your tickets here, and join us in celebration of the 2017 Spirit of Youth Award recipients! This year Spirit of Youth […]
Read More
Way back in the ‘90s, during the era of Alanis Morissette, Dawson’s Creek and fruit by the foot, Anchorage teen Marie Acemah opened the Crooked Rascal, a small shop nestled on the third floor of the 4th Avenue Theatre. The shop shared its quirky name with a zine (short for magazine) created and produced by […]
Read MoreThe Alaska Teen Media Institute is currently working in collaboration with Grace Art Camp in Portland! As part of this collaboration, ATMI’s Francisco Martinez created a short film about art and culture in Alaska. The film was made for students in Portland who are studying Alaska this summer. Fransisco will be in Portland throughout the […]
Read More“Teens are often painted in a negative light, but so many kids are doing outstanding and important work. This needs to be noticed and encouraged as an incentive for teens to keep on achieving and helping their communities.” -Spirit of Youth Teen Advisory Council Member Help make a difference in the lives of Alaska teens […]
Read More