Empowering Youth Through Audio: Where Passion Meets Purpose
From script to mic to final cut, our youth are stepping up to the mic—literally. At CDMA’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, we’re not just teaching students how to record a podcast—we’re helping them amplify their voices, build self-esteem, and launch careers in digital storytelling and media production.
Whether it’s hosting interviews, creating public service announcements, or exploring audio engineering, our program empowers young creators to own their stories and shape narratives that matter.
“Audio production helped me come out of my shell. Now I feel like my voice actually matters.” — Jordan M., Youth Podcaster
The Power of Podcasting
Podcasting is more than just hitting “record.” It’s about research, writing, interviewing, and storytelling—all critical skills that translate directly into college, careers, and leadership.
Through our in-house podcast studio, students create:
- Personal narrative podcasts that explore mental health, identity, and lived experiences
- Social awareness series highlighting traffic safety, community empowerment, and youth entrepreneurship
- Professional interviews with nonprofit leaders, local artists, and change-makers
Listen to a student-produced episode here:
program page
Voiceover Sessions: Confidence Behind the Mic
Our voiceover training sessions help students develop:
- Clear articulation and tone
- Public speaking skills
- Professional voice presence for commercials, PSAs, and narration
Using industry-standard equipment like the Rode NT1-A mic, Focusrite Scarlett interface, and Adobe Audition software, students bring scripts to life with real-world media tools.
These experiences help participants feel heard—and that confidence carries into interviews, classrooms, and beyond.
Equipment That Elevates Their Work
From the first mic check to final mixdown, students work hands-on with:
- Audio interfaces and mixers
- Monitoring headphones
- DAWs (digital audio workstations) like GarageBand, Audacity, and Adobe Audition
“Before this, I never knew how much went into sound production. Now, I’m thinking about becoming a sound designer or radio host.” — Alyssa B., 17
Learning the gear gives them a technical edge and sparks interest in fast-growing creative careers.
Real-World Impact: Youth Take the Lead
Our students recently recorded live from the Youth Traffic Safety Town Hall, where they captured interviews and shared safety messages using their new audio production skills.
Watch the Town Hall highlights here
👉 Youth traffic safety town hall
They also support citywide campaigns by producing PSAs and community interviews, giving them early access to the kind of media experience that builds confidence and opens professional doors.
Daily Drops: How We Stay Consistent
We post 3x daily content across platforms to showcase student audio work, shout out accomplishments, and keep the community connected:
- Morning: New episode or PSA snippet
- Afternoon: Studio behind-the-scenes or student quote
- Evening: Poll, engagement question, or career spotlight
Be sure to follow and support these rising voices!
Why Audio Production Works
Audio allows students to explore their:
✅ Creativity
✅ Communication skills
✅ Career goals
Through a mic, they find clarity. Through editing, they learn patience. Through publishing, they find pride. That’s how we use audio to build confidence and careers.
Ready to Build Your Future?
Want to learn more about how we’re building the next generation of digital leaders?
🔗 Explore our programs and opportunities:
👉 [Contact page & program page ]