Calafia is yli’s statewide youth policy journal that amplifies the narratives of young people on topics and issue areas important to them and their communities.
Calafia Fellows are selected every year from each yli office to create and edit the issue’s theme and the stories presented. They are also mentored by experienced reporters, travel to statewide and national media conferences, and learn the steps to producing a printed publication.
Podcasts
In 2023-2024, Calafia fellows created the podcast, False Promises: the Chasm between Home and Hope to uplift the voices and experiences of people impacted by injustice.
This year, Calafia veterans Nancy Aguilar and Katelyn Chang helped us pilot our newest component of the program, the 3rd Year Special Project. Working with Pulitzer finalist Bernice Yeung as their mentor, they developed a 4 episode podcast called The Creative Code, which explores the impact of generative AI on youth creatives. Over the 9 months, they built their own project curriculum, conducted interviews with representatives from the National Writers Union and former Marvel employees, and surveyed over 100 youth creatives about their experiences with AI. The podcast (below) was picked up by the online news outlet, Capital & Main, which wrote a feature story about the project: Young Artists Worry About a Future Supplanted by Artificial Intelligence.
Publications
HOT OFF PRESSES: Calafia’s newest print publication, False Promises: the Chasm between Home and Hope!! Download your digital copies in English and Spanish below, or contact María Schindler at [email protected] to order your FREE print copies. Calafia’s past issues have focused on youth criminal justice reform, educational equity, and addressing stigmas within communities of color – the issues are available for download below!
Interested in Applying?
- Are you between the ages of 16-22?
- Do you live in California?
- Are you passionate about writing/journalism and social justice?
Sounds like you’re a perfect fit for Calafia – Youth Leadership Institute’s statewide youth journalism program!!
From September to May, you’ll learn how to write personal narratives, opinion editorials, and podcasts – and work with a professional journalist and earn a stipend along the way! Expectations include:
- Attend one, 1 1/2 hr meeting per week
- Meet with media mentors
- Conduct research and interviews
- Complete several journalistic assignments that will be compiled into a print and digital pub
*Applications are closed for Calafia 2425. Please fill out this interest form to stay in the loop about next year’s application process!
Want more information? Reach out to María Schindler ([email protected]), watch the below recording of our Youth Orientation and read our Frequently Asked Questions!
