Youth Express is a 24/7 streaming Internet radio service featuring original writing, music, theater, journalism and reflections from Pittsburgh-area youth. Created by SLB Radio Productions, Inc.,

Featured On-demand

In summer of 2019, the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County Youth Philanthropy Internship Program brought together nine high school students and recent graduates as summer interns. The 7-week Youth Philanthropy Internship Program was made possible through a grant from The Heinz Endowments and is based on the successful model of the Heinz Endowments’ own program in Pittsburgh. Throughout the internship’s duration, students assessed community needs and developed funding opportunities for local non-profits to apply for grants of up to $25,000 to address these needs, with a total of $70,000 granted within Westmoreland County. In addition to their grantmaking, interns created these radio documentaries around important community issues.

The Fountain of Youth Philanthropy, 2019

In Summer 2019, seven students created these radio features while taking part in The Heinz Endowments Youth Philanthropy Internship Program. The resulting features cover issues identified by the interns during research and field work conducted throughout the summer. While SLB provided training and coaching, the features presented below were conceived and created entirely by the students. Students also recorded reflections of their summer experience.

Getting to the Point 2019 - Audio Documentaries, Reflections, and Commentaries

PPS King 2023: Georgette, 8, "Three Things About Me"

Adrionna - About Me

Adrionna - Important To Me

Students from Woodland Hills High School attended the LIGHT (or "Leadership through Innovation in Genocide and Human rights Teaching") 2023 summit where they exchanged a multitude of ideas concerning our modern society.

They then visited the Saturday Light Brigade radio studio to write and record about their experience.

LIGHT Initiative 2023: Micah, Reflection

PPS King 2023: Tyler, "Teacher Appreciation"

PPS King 2023: Sebastian, "Teacher Appreciation"

PPS King 2023: Petey, "Teacher Appreciation"

PPS King 2023: Mekhi, "Teacher Appreciation"

PPS King 2023: Diontay, "Teacher Appreciation"

PPS King 2023: Brian, "Teacher Appreciation"

Student reporter Sophia reviews the New Hazlett Theater production "Painting Lessons"

Sophia, 15, Painting Lessons Review

Student reporter Javian reviews the New Hazlett Theater production "Perdita"

Javian, 17, Perdita Review

Student reporter Sara reviews the New Hazlett Theater production "Somewhere Strange"

Sara, 17, Somewhere Strange Review

Student reporter Henry reviews the New Hazlett Theater production "Somewhere Strange"

Henry, 17, Somewhere Strange Review

Inequalities in education, pt.1 - Maddy

Death By Social Media - Persaya

Propel Northside 2023: Tazhia, Thanksgiving

Work produced by students at SLB Radio's Youth Media Center.

Althea - Green Brass Hammer

Brendan - Violins Of Hope

SLB Summer Internship 2024 - Walt, Commentary on Sports

Audio Journalism - Lilah - Commentary On Non Sequiturs

Creative Podcasting - Alex - Fourth River Favorites

Broadcast Journalism Intern Olivia Rajakovic conducts interviews the night before the 2024 Presidential Election.

Olivia Rajakovic - Vote For Freedom Rally

Underwriting: Prime Stage Theater 10-5-25

Underwriting: Prime Stage Theater 11-7-24

Clara, 15, with a holiday message to her grandparents. This is the english version, Clara also recorded a version in Spanish. This recording was made as part of a workshop hosted in the Youth Media Center at SLB Radio.

Clara's Holiday Card For her Grandparents (English)

Clara, 15, with a holiday message to her grandparents. This is the Spanish version, Clara also recorded a version in English. This recording was made as part of a workshop hosted in the Youth Media Center at SLB Radio.

Clara 's Holiday Card For her Grandparents (Spanish)

Sammi, 16, with a holiday message for her grandparents. This is the english version, Sammi also recorded a version in Chinese. This recording was made as part of a workshop hosted in the Youth Media Center at SLB Radio.

Sammi's Holiday Message For her Grandparents (English)

Sammi, 16, with a holiday message for her grandparents. This is the Chinese version, Sammi also recorded a version in English. This recording was made as part of a workshop hosted in the Youth Media Center at SLB Radio.

Sammi's Holiday Message For Her Grandparents (Chinese)

Waylon, 13,  with a holiday message for his video games. This recording was made as part of a workshop hosted in the Youth Media Center at SLB Radio.

Waylon's Holiday Message For Video Games

Broadcast Journalism Intern Olivia Rajakovic discusses findings from the 2024 A+ Schools Report to the Community and speaks with Executive Director James Fogarty.

Olivia Rajakovic - A+ Schools Report to the Community 2024

Julian - Why I Love Myself

Dallas - National Siblings Day

Dallas - Good Friend

Youth performers from around Pittsburgh gathered at the Andy Warhol Museum on April 5th, 2019 for the annual "Youth Invasion" concert. 

This program features teens’ unique take on Andy Warhol’s artwork, with their points of view, ideas, and creative expressions energizing the entire museum.

Youth Invasion 2019 - Sloane Simon Performance & Interview

Brando's Reflections

Ben's Reflections

Ben, Jayden, and Olivia with their documentary on the importance of local governments

The Importance of Local Government

Brando, Carrie, and River with a documentary on the development of hemp agriculture in Westmoreland.

Putting Hemp in Hempfield

Emma, Rebecca, and Sydney with a documentary challenging the stigma surrounding community college.

Breaking Down Community College Stigma

Jose's Commentary: I, Too, Want to Serve My Country

Malyla's Commentary: Having My Say A Young Woman's Freedom Journey

More Than Just Safe Spaces Bridging The Opportunity Gap For Underserved Youth - Alyza

The Power Of 214 - Isabel. Jafar & Maylyla

I Cant Get A Degree Barriers To College Access For Foreign Born Youth - Anita, Jose & Maurice

Owen Chaffin (9th grade, homeschool) with a spotlight on Rodman Edward Serling, creator of The Twilight Zone.

Owen Chaffin - The Twilight Zone

David - (10th grade, Propel Andrew Street) - COVID

Miracle - (10th grade, Propel Braddock Hills) - COVID

Pittsburgh Faison ASA 2020 - Jada, "What I'm Going to do After Quarantine"

Akeelah - Reads a passage from the novel 'Because of Winn-Dixie'

Jhordan - My Heart Has Been Heavy

Original writing, music, and conversation from Pittsburgh-area youth. Catch the future at youthexpress.org. 

Youth Express is made possible with generous support from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and The Citrone Fund.

Youth Express

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks