OUR PROGRAMS
ACANEA Community Alliance offers youth development programs that combine leadership, wellness, arts, and real-world learning experiences.
Our programs are designed for middle and high school students ages 14–18, with a maximum of 20 students per program to ensure personal attention, mentorship, and a safe learning environment.
Through community collaboration, expressive arts, and hands-on projects, students build confidence, resilience, creativity, and leadership skills.
Program Structure
Ages: 14–18 years old
Group size: Max 20 students per program
Format: Workshops, events, and project-based learning
Includes mentorship, wellness activities, and creative work
Programs available for schools, youth organizations, and community groups
Utica Walkathon
Youth Leadership & Skills Program
A youth-led initiative that develops leadership, teamwork, wellness, and community engagement through real event planning and participation.
Students help organize and participate in the Utica Walkathon at the Park while learning responsibility, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Activities
Leadership training
Event planning experience
Community service
Wellness activities (walking, yoga, Tai Chi, mindfulness)
Teamwork exercises
Public event participation
Goal
Develop life skills, confidence, and community connection.
Good for
Schools
Summer programs
Youth groups
Leadership programs
Youth Media Lab & Youth Media Club
Learn • Create • Connect • Lead
The Youth Media Lab & Youth Media Club is a creative youth development initiative of ACANEA Community Alliance that empowers young people ages 14–18 through photography, videography, digital storytelling, communication, leadership, and hands-on community experiences.
Youth learn from instructors and mentors, practice their skills through real projects, and use media to capture the people, organizations, events, and stories that make our community unique.
No previous media experience is required.
Our Goals
Through Youth Media, we help young people:
Build creativity and confidence
Strengthen communication and interviewing skills
Develop photography, videography, and editing skills
Practice leadership and teamwork
Gain real-world project experience
Explore college and career pathways
Build a creative media portfolio
Become active storytellers in their communities
We are looking for partners
Schools
Organizations
Businesses
Community programs
We invite institutions to allow youth to create media stories in your location.
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Youth Media
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Youth Media Lab
Summer Intensive Program
The Youth Media Lab is an intensive summer learning experience where youth develop foundational skills in photography, videography, interviewing, storytelling, and video editing.
Students then put those skills into practice during the Utica Walkathon, where they photograph activities, conduct interviews, record videos, and document real community stories.
Youth Learn & Practice
Photography and composition
Videography and recording
Interviewing and storytelling
Video editing and digital media
Community documentation
Teamwork and communication
Real-world media production
Learn → Practice → Create → Share
Youth Media Club
September – May | After-School Program
The Youth Media Club gives students the opportunity to continue developing their creative and technical skills throughout the school year.
The Club meets once a month after school for two hours.
Each Session Includes
1 Hour – Creative Workshop
Youth learn from photographers, videographers, storytellers, and other creative professionals.
1 Hour – Project & Mentor Time
Students work with mentors to develop photography, video, interview, and community storytelling projects.
Youth may also participate in additional community assignments, field experiences, photography sessions, interviews, and media projects throughout the year.
Activities
Photography training
Video recording
Editing and storytelling
Interviews and documentation
YouTube / media projects
Community content creation
Youth Media Showcase
Youth have the opportunity to present their photography, videos, interviews, and digital storytelling projects during our annual Youth Media Showcase in the spring.
The showcase celebrates youth creativity while giving students an opportunity to share their work with families, community partners, and local organizations.
Join Youth Media Club
Ages: 14–18
Cost: FREE
Program: September – May
Meetings: Once a month after school
Experience: No previous experience required
Space is limited. Register today!
A program of ACANEA Community Alliance, Inc., in partnership with SUNY Polytechnic Institute, with support from the Mohawk Valley Latino Association (MVLA) and community partners.
Become a Community Partner
Let Youth Tell Your Story
We are looking for schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, community programs, and local institutions interested in collaborating with our youth.
Partners can provide opportunities for students to visit their location, learn about their work, conduct interviews, photograph activities, and develop positive community media stories.
By partnering with Youth Media, you are not only sharing your organization's story — you are giving young people a real-world environment to learn, create, communicate, and lead.
We Welcome Partnerships With
Schools and colleges
Nonprofit and community organizations
Local businesses
Cultural organizations
Community events and programs
Creative and media professionals
Culture of Peace
Youth Transformation Program
A wellness and expressive arts program designed to help youth develop emotional awareness, confidence, and a sense of belonging through movement, art, and mindfulness.
The program was created in response to the growing emotional challenges affecting young people, offering a safe space where youth can accept themselves, express their feelings, and learn healthy ways to manage stress and frustration.
Through dance, art, reflection, and community projects, students learn to understand who they are, connect with others, and use their creativity to build something meaningful. Activities such as labyrinth creation, movement, and collaborative art encourage teamwork, patience, and self-discovery while contributing to the community.
Inspired by participatory learning approaches, the program connects mind, body, emotions, and community, helping youth develop resilience, communicate without violence, and grow with confidence.
Activities
Dance and movement workshops
Mindfulness and emotional awareness
Art and creative projects
Labyrinth creation
Group reflection
Public performance or art installation
Goal
Help youth build resilience, empathy, and self-confidence.
Good for
Schools
After-school programs
Community centers & Youth organizations
“To the youth whose voices plant the seeds of hope for a better future.
May their words and actions echo across the world as a call for peace.”
~aca
Together, we can strengthen our community and inspire the next generation through education, creativity, and support.
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you!
Whether you have questions about our programs, are interested in partnering with us, or would like to get involved in our community initiatives, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
