Programs & Classes

The Youth Media Program empowers youth ages 13–18 by teaching leadership skills, civic engagement, visual communication, mentorship, and teamwork. Participants gain hands-on experience in videography, photography, image editing, documentary production, research, and scriptwriting. The program’s goal is to elevate community voices by creating compelling documentary films that address essential issues within the community.

MMRTI is committed to bridging the digital equity gap by providing culturally and linguistically accessible digital training and support. This includes training youth in media production and offering digital navigator support for individuals of all ages.

Mentorship & Community Impact

Mentorship plays a pivotal role in the success of the Youth Media Program. Many students return year after year, allowing approximately half of the participants to bring prior experience in film and photography production while also possessing a deep understanding of the Yesler Terrace community. As they progress, students take on leadership roles, mentoring first-year participants and developing essential teaching skills. We take pride in the fact that many students who have excelled in the program later become teaching assistants and instructors. Notably, this year, all of our mentors are former program participants.

MMRTI’s Digital Equity Experience

Since 2004, MMRTI has been a leader in digital equity programming, particularly through its Ethio Youth Media Program:

  • 1,658 youth have received training in video and media production.
  • 678 participants have completed computer classes in image editing, 3D modeling, web design, graphic design, and XML.
  • Youth are equipped with the skills and knowledge to create media that reflects their identity and culture, addresses critical issues, and amplifies their voices.
  • The Ethio Youth Media Television Program, featuring content by and for young people, has produced 2,640 public access TV programs.
  • Since 2010, MMRTI’s YouTube content has amassed 8.57K subscribers and 3.2 million views.
  • Through these initiatives, MMRTI continues to provide youth with the tools and opportunities to express themselves, engage with their communities, and develop valuable media and digital skills.

www.youtube.com/@ethioyouthmediatv

MMRTI Digital Navigators Program

MMRTI has established Digital Navigators working throughout the Greater Seattle Area to help communities connect to the internet, access necessary equipment, and receive digital literacy training. The MMRTI Technology and Media Center, located at Yesler Terrace—part of the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) community—provides open access to computers and the internet for low-income community members. The program is designed to:

  • Close the digital equity gap by expanding internet access and digital literacy.
  • Increase BIPOC representation and success in the multimedia technology industry.
  • Impact Since 2020

Since launching our Digital Navigator Program in 2020, MMRTI has assisted 2,250 low-income families and elders in:

  • Connecting to the internet.
  • Operating their devices, including phones, iPads, and laptops.
  • Improving their digital skills through ongoing support.
  • These services are provided at Seattle Housing Authority sites and various community-based locations to ensure accessibility for those in need.

Addressing the Digital Divide

MMRTI’s Digital Navigators Project continues to address digital adoption barriers affecting community members disproportionately impacted by the digital divide, including:

  • Low-income BIPOC residents
  • Individuals with disabilities
  • Seniors
  • Other high-risk community members
  • The program helps these individuals:
  • Obtain low-cost or free computing devices.
  • Complete essential online tasks.
  • Access digital skills training and technical support

Culturally & Linguistically Inclusive Support

To ensure accessibility, Digital Navigators provide one-on-one or small group assistance in-person or via phone, email, text, or video chat. Services are available to low-income residents living in:

  • Yesler Terrace
  • The Central District
  • South Seattle
  • Northgate
  • Lake City

Support is offered in multiple languages, including Amharic, Somali, Tigrinya, Chinese, Vietnamese, Oromo, and English.

Program Focus Areas

The Digital Navigators Program provides guidance in three key areas:

01.

Accessing and using devices and the internet

02.

Assisting with basic digital navigation

03.

Troubleshooting technology issues

Through these initiatives, MMRTI is committed to bridging the digital divide and empowering communities with the tools they need to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Youth Voice Podcast Program:

Youth Voices Podcast project:

“Youth Voices,” refers to the distinct ideas, opinions, attitudes, knowledge, and actions of young people as a collective body. We invite youth to voice their thoughts about their passions, to explain things they understand well, to wonder about things they have just begun to understand, and to share discussions with other young people. Through this empathetic connection and resource sharing, we aim to create a safe space where they feel understood and supported.

Some of the key components of our approach include:

  1. To produce insightful podcasts covering mental health topics and advice from professionals, to produce approximately two podcasts each month.

    Here is an example that brought to this podcast initiative. A conversation we had with Seattle Housing Authority’s Executive Director, Mr. Rod Brandon: https://youtu.be/A3nwIitvxYw?si=n8gqjnpx18oiN1FJ)

     

  2. Creating a positive atmosphere is also key to our strategy. To this end, we hope to also organize games, challenges, and activities that not only provide opportunities for youth to unwind, but also bring joy and laughter.