The Need

Philadelphia is the poorest big city in The United States. Our public schools are in crisis. Our largest journalistic institution is almost 80% white. These are difficult and important challenges. Philly Audio Diaries believes that by giving young people the microphone, we can begin to change the tide. 

Journalistic stories about young people are almost never told by the young people themselves. The philosophy behind Philly Audio Diaries is that young people need to hold the microphone if their stories are to be told in a way that is authentic and meaningful. 

Adults can guide kids in this process and give them important storytelling tools, but the young person is the expert in their own life. We teach teens and young adults how to pitch stories, report on a topic that is relevant to their lives, and work with an editor to produce a great story. 

The Experience

One of the best parts of Philly Audio Diaries is the real-world reporting experience. So far, our students have interviewed professors at Drexel University, art therapists, domestic violence specialists and more.

We teach young people how to follow their interests, think more critically, and to keep on when a story gets tough - which they always do.

The Facts

Philly Audio Diaries students are paid for their work. We offer stipends to all students who complete the prompt of producing one story. Teachers also continue on as mentors for the students for a year after the internship has ended. 

Our stories have aired all over the United States on public radio stations. You may have heard our work on WHYY in Philadelphia, or even in Seattle...or New England. One of our stories was retweeted by The Gottman Institute, which is one of the biggest names in the research on relationships. 

How We Work

Philly Audio Diaries was founded by a social worker who is also a journalist. We use social work principles to guide our work. We employ social work best practices: supervision for staff, trauma-informed practice, an ethic of “do no harm,” and a deep understanding of the systems that perpetuate poverty and white supremacy.

Your Support Matters

When you support, your donation helps pay for staff, student stipends and programming. A donation to Philly Audio Diaries is an investment in youth and families in Philadelphia, an investment in the radio producers and journalists of the future, and finally, an investment in innovative education.