The Kirkland Kiwanis Foundation is proud to be a sponsor of the Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB)/YMCA Youth Institute Program launched this summer.

The program, which lasts 8 weeks, is comprised of intense workshops focusing on digital media arts, creative writing, scripting, storyboarding and oral presentations. At conclusion, the students will have created their own digital films and music, a magazine, 3D animation and website.

The program uses technology as an integral mechanism for promoting positive youth development, post secondary education, and career readiness of culturally diverse urban high school youth. Participants improve academically and develop stronger ties to their community, having learned leadership, coping and decision making skills.

When asked about the program, Emily Smith, KTUB’s director, said

“In our first year as a Youth Institute Replication site, the words that come to mind to describe these youth are courage, tenacity and impact,” said Emily Smith, KTUB’s director. “I am confident that our first-ever family of Youth Institute graduates have a sense of accomplishment that only comes from pushing themselves beyond their previous limits.”

The participants are focused and excited about their newfound skills, the upcoming school year and their futures.

KTUB invites the public to attend the graduation ceremony for these youth at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16 at KTUB, located at 348 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland.

The Kirkland Kiwanis Foundation is proud to be a part of this future building program. For more information about the program, contact Emily at emilysmith@seattleymca.org, or go to 2013 Seattle YMCA KTUB Youth Institute on Facebook.

For more information about the Kirkland Kiwanis Foundation, visit http://kirkland.kiwanis.org.