About Us

The California Youth Media Network is a robust network, built over more than a decade, of youth-driven community journalism hubs around the state of California. Network groups work together to build youth skills and leadership, raise the visibility of youth voice statewide, bring more voices into high-profile media outlets that can influence policy, convene regularly to share best practices in media production, and build coalitions and impact.

Through youth-driven content produced locally and collectively for statewide reporting, we build civic engagement and youth leadership, and change the conversation about major issues facing youth. The network is a powerful statewide news source, with young people shaping the structure of the network and collaborative content. There is strong and palpable recognition of the power, authenticity, and need for youth voice in public dialogue.

The network has a website, social media streams, and a weekly newsletter, and strives to be a replicable model for collaborative youth journalism for other states and regions looking to invest in youth engagement in public policy and civic life.

Our Goals:

  • Cultivate youth leadership and foster inclusion of underrepresented voices

  • Cover issues of equity and social justice

  • Uplift youth voice in California, locally and statewide

  • Provide youth development, youth empowerment, and civic engagement

  • Nurture and enrich adult/youth partnerships

  • Connect to larger media networks and issue-based networks