The 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 […]
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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 MoreNominations are still being accepted for the 2016 Spirit of Youth Awards. If you know any amazing Alaska youth, age 12-19, please tell us about them! It only takes a few minutes to nominate. Nominees are eligible to receive a $2,000 scholarship from the UA College Savings Plan. The deadline to nominate is December 31.
Read MoreThe Anchorage Museum is looking for creative and curious elementary through high school students who love technology to inform, inspire and engage the museum regarding digital and technological topics. The Youth Digital Board of Directors (YDB) is composed of students from the Digital Generation, the first generation to grow up without knowledge of life before […]
Read MoreThe 2015 Spirit of Youth Awards highlights 11 dedicated young people and unsung heroes from around Alaska. This year’s Award recipients hail from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai, Juneau, Soldotna, Toksook Bay and Wasilla. We invite you to honor them March 28 at the Anchorage Museum at 7 p.m. as they share their inspirational stories.
Read MoreNora Herzog and Madelyn Taylor found their voice through spoken word poetry. They started a club at West High School where they inspire others to reach into their souls and speak from the heart. KTUU’s Corey Allen Young has a full report on Nora and Medlyn’s passion for words in his monthly Spirit of Youth “Spotlight […]
Read MoreAlaskans aren’t the only ones who are impressed by our youth. The New York Times wrote a feature about Máire New, a Spirit of Youth nominee from Juneau, and her experience going to school at the Bolshoi Ballet academy in Moscow. Click here to read about her daily life at her multicultural dance school. Shana Sheehy sat down […]
Read MoreMyHouse, a youth homelessness outreach center in Wasilla, is getting ready to open its steampunk thrift store in early September. Kyra Hoenack, a Spirit of Youth nominee, has been prepping the store all summer with other teens from the center. Check out the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman’s story about Steam Driven and how teens put it all […]
Read MoreAnchorage high school students Kathryn Casello and Katherine Murray discussed suicide prevention awareness on Channel 2 News, KTUU.com August 21. Kathryn, a Spirit of Youth nominee, is a member of the Governor’s Statewide Suicide Prevention Council and is a leader in Anchorage for educating peers about the recognizing the warning signs of suicide and how to get help. She […]
Read MoreYouth from seven western Alaska communities met with Bethel’s Teens Acting Against Violence in June for the fourth annual Teens Lead Ahead workshop. Teens spent four days discussing the theme “Keep the Cycle Positive,” while celebrating Yup’ik culture. The Tundra Drums has the full story.
Read MoreAre you between the ages of 13-18? Are you a youth leader that wants to make positive changes happen in your community? Apply to Lead On 2014 and join other Alaskan teen leaders in making a difference. Click here to apply. At Lead On, national and local speakers engage youth from all regions of the state through […]
Read MoreThe Northwest Film Center’s annual Fresh Film NW (formerly the Young People’s Film Festival) celebrates the next generation of regional filmmakers by showcasing their work and circulating it around the region and beyond. Submissions are judged by a jury panel of professional filmmakers and educators. Individual and group submissions from youth ages 13 to 19 are […]
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