VIDEO: Hip Hop's Rising Stars from the Land of Tupac

In San Rafael, not far from Marin City, where a young Tupac lived with his mother there is a new generation of MC's and producers practicing the craft and expressing themselves through song. Helping them along that journey is a new and innovative teen center, The MYC, and a well seasoned hip hop artist and educator, Jahi. The MYC offers these young artists free studio time, writing workshops and one-on-one instruction to hone their skills.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media

VIDEO: Refugee Youth: Using Pictures To Speak A Thousand Words

The adage goes a picture speaks a thousand words. That may have been the idea behind the foundation of the AjA Project. In San Diego, The AjA Project runs Journey, an after school participatory photography program for refugee youth. On top of vast cultural differences, many of refugee youth come to the US speaking very little English if any at all. The AjA project teaches these youth how to express their religion and culture through photography.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media

VIDEO: Street Side Productions

Since the beginning of 2008 California's governor has been cutting educational programs and services. Supposedly this is an attempt to close the state budget gap. While state parks are being closed and educational programs cut the state has increased spending on police officers and juvenile correctional facilities. One of the programs that has been forced to close their doors is Street Side Productions. This is a program that teaches youth on probation professional video production skills.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media

The Big Picture

With a world full of services like netflicks, youtube and myspace who needs to go to the theater to watch movies. Well the founder and director of the Santa Cruz Film Festival believes that people should watch films on the big screen surrounded by community members. She also believes that young filmmakers should be honored along with their adult peers. That is why since the inspection of the SCFF youth films have always been a valuable part of their programming.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media

VIDEO: City Year LA : Young People Serving our Country one Community at a Time

For as long as I can remember entrenched politicians have been telling the youth of America the best thing you can do is serve your country. The problem is the service that they are speaking of usually involves picking up a gun and traveling to a distant land with out an invitation. Well finally there is a group that is revolutionizing the meaning of national service. City Year trains 17-24 year olds to work in 17 cities across the country volunteering in schools and community centers.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media