Youth Reporting Institute

An interview series celebrating Men’s Mental Health Month, this is a collection of candid conversations with men from various walks of life who share their personal experiences with mental health. This series seeks to highlight the diversity of men’s mental health journeys, providing a platform for often unheard voices.

WUNC's YRI covered the Durham Book Club's end-of-year meeting as their first in-field assignment, learning about the group's impact and planning process.

WUNC's Youth Reporting Institute is a community and platform for young people to skill-build and share their passion for radio journalism and storytelling. The 2024 summer program welcomed 7 student journalists, to work with staff at the station on pitching, reporting, writing, and editing a story for radio broadcast. YRI aims to diversify Public Media storytelling staff by recruiting and training the next generation of storytellers to better position them to become the next leaders in the space.

Each summer, youth reporters are tasked with telling stories from their communities. Youth reporter Parys Smith spoke with Kaliq Alexander about his trans journey and intention behind creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth.

Last year, the Durham Bulls joined The Nine Initiative, a program launched by Minor League Baseball to uplift the legacy of Black baseball history. Youth Reporter Olivia Haynie takes a look at the history of the Black Sox, one of Durham’s Negro Minor League teams, and their impact on Durham culture.

In August, Durham County launched a guaranteed income pilot program that provided a monthly stipend to 125 families. Youth reporter Sofia Basurto interviewed participants to understand how the program has impacted their lives.

Each summer, youth reporters are tasked with telling stories from their communities. William Townsend decided to interview local healthcare professionals who are working to repair cultural inequities within their communities.

Each summer, youth reporters are tasked with telling stories from their community. Alani Rouse passed the mic to NC Piedmont Poet Laureate Dasan Ahanu as he reflected on his poetic journey, his role as an educator and his new book.

Each summer, youth reporters are tasked with telling stories from their communities. Reporter Nassibah Bedreddine explored what the present and future of social change might look like by looking to the past.

After a personal experience with stalking, youth reporter Chris Williams wondered how harmless interest can turn into an obsession. He spoke to a lawyer, a psychologist, and a self-identified stalker to explore where that line is and what brings people to cross it.