"I want to show the reality behind the statistics—and the humanity behind the headlines."
These powerful words came directly from a high school student's recent application to our CLARIFY youth journalism program. Her voice joins a chorus of young New Yorkers who tell us:
"I have seen how easily narratives can be shaped to ignore communities like mine... through journalism I want to bridge gaps, forge connections, and challenge narratives."
"Learning to use my voice through journalism to improve my community is important to me because stories are how we remember, how we resist, and how we rise."
Since 1976, City Limits has stood as a beacon of trust for city leaders and a champion for marginalized communities. Now through CLARIFY, we're providing an opportunity for young people to understand that at its best, journalism is an act of service and connection.
As one student wrote: "City Limits' commitment to covering underreported communities aligns with the journalism I want to pursue—reporting that centers people, asks hard questions, and is grounded in service."
But the reality facing our youth is challenging:
25% of low-income NYC students don't complete high school in four years
Youth involved in creative writing activities have been associated with graduation rates that are as high as 20% higher compared to their peers who do not participate in such activities
This is why CLARIFY exists—to bridge that gap. Since 2015, we've worked with more than 600 youth from all five boroughs to develop the skills to be college-ready, while amplifying voices that are often underrepresented in today's media.
Your gift today directly supports our Summer 2025 Six-Week Reporting Internship Program for Youth:
$100 funds professional journalist mentorship
$250 supports a student's six week summer internship
$500 helps a student to produce their first published investigative story in City Limits
When you support CLARIFY, you're investing in a vision of a more equitable New York, while helping to nurture young journalists who, in their own words, "aspire to write with nuance, purpose, and an urgency that reflects the need for change."
We need to raise $7,000 by June 30th to fully fund this summer's internship program. With your help, we can provide more young people with the opportunity to develop important skills while reporting on issues that matter most to their communities. Please visit CityLimits.org/get-involved to make your tax-deductible gift today.
