Vote Like the Kids

Thanks to a citywide volunteer effort to get 18-year-olds to the polls, they came out in record numbers last year. Now they’re taking the work statewide to keep the momentum going

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

Ideas We Should Steal: Universal Child Care

Massachusetts legislators are working to make their state the first to provide free, high-quality care for children. In Pennsylvania, doing so would bring more women to the workplace—and could add $6 billion to the economy

By Jessica Blatt Press

Citizens of the Week: Teens Teach Technology

The vaccine may be here, but many seniors are still feeling disconnected from loved ones. These students are helping them feel less alone.

By Sam Haut

Mindfulness for Minors

A local nonprofit has shown measurable progress in helping Philly public school students stay on track through training in an unexpected skill: meditation

By Jessica Blatt Press

A New News Narrative

A youth-led after-school media program helps young Philadelphians cover issues important to, and about, them. Are you listening, big media?

By Katherine Rapin

The Citizen Recommends: The COmmunity VIDeo Resiliency Project

Big Picture Alliance’s screening of youth-created films explores how the pandemic has affected young people—and the resilience they continue to show in the face of adversity

By Christina Griffith

Guest Commentary: Reflections from a First-Time Voter

A Penn student looks back on a whiplash year that forced her to confront her own assumptions: How could she preach voting when she wasn’t sure she’d vote?

By Calista Lopez

The Power of Snapshots

While Covid-19 has forced the closure of many after-school programs, Photography Without Borders continues to empower North Philly youth with cameras, connections—and confidence. And now, the students’ work has gone national.

By Jessica Blatt Press