When teens take the lead: Inside PA Humanities’ youth-led approach
What does it look like to create humanities-based programming that teens don’t just attend, but actually help shape and keep coming back to? That question is at the heart of Youth-Led Humanities, one of PA Humanities’ core programs. Hear from Julia Katz, PA Humanities’ Education Program Manager, about what it means to be youth-led, why this approach works, and how Youth-Led Humanities—and new training opportunities for libraries and youth-serving organizations—are helping adults think about how they partner with young people.
Youth voices take the mic at Pittsburgh’s SLB Radio
At Saturday Light Brigade Radio, young people lead live broadcasts, choose the topics they care about, and engage in thoughtful conversations about history, community, their schools and their own lives.
Let’s Rise: Stories of youth engagement and education
Welcome to the next installment of LET’S RISE, the PA Humanities statewide video project, created in partnership with Emmy-winning filmmaker Kelly Dessoye in celebration of our 50th anniversary. In December, we’re spotlighting how young people are engaging with the humanities through PA Humanities programs and initiatives and finding new ways to understand themselves, one another, and their communities. We invite you to watch and reflect, and join us in ensuring that the humanities remain a vibrant force in Pennsylvania.
Year 2 of Youth-Led Humanities Launches with New Opportunities for Pennsylvania Teens
PA Humanities’ Youth-Led Humanities (YLH) program continues this fall with 20 public libraries and out-of-school time (OST) organizations. These sites, representing both rural and urban communities across the state, have demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering youth leadership and engagement through the humanities. The returning Teen Advisory Council — made up of youth from participating YLH sites — will take on special projects to make the program even more youth-centered.
Young voices of Rain Poetry shine at State Library
Since 2023, PA Humanities’ Rain Poetry project has been transforming sidewalks into stages for imagination, showcasing the creativity of young people, and demonstrating the power of the humanities to turn ordinary spaces into unexpected moments of connection, reflection, and joy.
Now, poems written by Rain Poetry participants from across Pennsylvania are part of a special installation outside the State Library in Harrisburg.
From Reading to Harrisburg, Rain Poetry magic spreads statewide
The Rain Poetry project in Reading came to a joyful close this month with the third and final reveal celebration that brought poets, their families and neighbors together to celebrate the creativity of young people. And we’ve got a lot more exciting Rain Poetry news to share!