Contact: Virginia Pearce, virginia@spyhop.org, 801-532-7500
SENDING MESSAGES, SPY HOP’S INCARCERATED YOUTH RADIO PODCAST, WINS NATIONAL AWARD.
Salt Lake City, Utah (January 16, 2013) – Spy Hop’s innovative radio podcast program, Sending Messages, which is written, recorded and produced by local incarcerated youth, received national recognition last week in Phoenix, Arizona.
American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) handed out the award, Community Awareness Through Media to Spy Hop’s radio documentary instructor, Adam Sherlock, who shared portions of the podcast with more than 800 attendees.
“Not only does the program encourage teens to talk about their experiences without glorification, it also shows them the transformative power of art. But maybe most importantly, they learn that the rest of us are willing to listen.”
Sending Messages is the country’s only podcast entirely created and produced by incarcerated youth. Spy Hop works to produce the episodes throughout the school year with youth from two Salt Lake City facilities, Decker Lake and Wasatch Youth Centers. The youth write, record and produce personal narratives, poetry, short fiction, spoken word and interviews that are broadcast to the world via two mediums: a monthly podcast at www.sendingmessages.org and iTunes. In addition to having the opportunity to learn about broadcasting, the youth also receive English credit for participating in the program.
“This innovative program provides youth an opportunity to express their feelings in a positive and creative manner while at the same time building their self-esteem and communication skills,” said Susan Burke, Division of Juvenile Justice Services Director.
About Spy Hop
For nearly 15 years, Spy Hop has mentored Utah’s young people in the digital media arts as a vehicle for free expression, self-discovery, critical thinking and skilled participation. Its afterschool and community programs in film, audio, design and music production are a model for youth development programs across the nation and Spy Hop is recognized by the White House as a leading arts and humanities organization.
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