Youth Xchange Student Video Contest
The Youth Xchange Statewide Student Video Contest is Hawai‘i’s premiere and only statewide youth video competition open to all ages (elementary, middle, high, and college). Youth Xchange empowers youth to identify and bring critical community issues to the forefront via un-editorialized video content. Students are able to compete in sponsored and general categories such as Mini Documentary, Public Service Announcement, and Short. The video competition culminates at the annual awards banquet celebrating the achievements of the talented students and teachers.
To receive contest related announcements and updates or to inquire about becoming a school participant or a sponsor, please send us an email.
Youth Capitol Commentary
Youth Capitol Commentary shot on location at the State Capitol, gives legislators, community groups, and members of the public the opportunity to discuss issues of importance and keep viewers aware of the latest developments in Hawai‘i’s legislative process.
In recent years, ‘Ōlelo has partnered with schools to actively involve students in the democratic process by having them serve as reporters and crew for Youth Capitol Commentary. The project is geared toward engaging students by giving them direct access to and experience with the policymakers who could have a great impact on their lives, their communities, and their futures.
In preparation for Opening Day, our staff members will work with each student to train them on technical and on-camera reporting skills. Those interviews are then aired on our cable channels and internet platforms.
Junior Academy for Media
The Junior Academy for Media (JAM) is an organization wide youth media program offered at our 5 community Engagement HUBS across O‘ahu.
Middle and High school aged students are welcome to enroll. Student participants receive assistance with homework, introduction to media literacy, storyboarding and storytelling, basic video production training and certification. JAM students can start to use their voice to address causes that are important to them. JAM students will also have the opportunity to engage in community production to enhance their video skills to tell hyper local stories.
Second year high school JAM students can apply for an internship as JAM Leads to create a pathway for workforce development. The JAM program coincides with the school calendar at the start of the fall semester ending in the last month of the Spring. 
Coming soon, more information on JAM summer workshops. JAM is designed to empower, equip and engage:
- Empower youth to create and share their stories via ‘Ōlelo cable channels, online and social media outlets
- Equip youth with basic and advanced video production skills and techniques
- Engage youth in conversations, community involvement and civic responsibility activities that impact their schools and communities.
Any inquiries to the JAM program please email volunteer@olelo.org, or call (808) 237-2140.
Children and Youth Day
‘Ōlelo is pleased to be part of O’ahu’s Children & Youth Day celebration—a time to recognize the potential and special gifts of Hawai’i’s youth—that takes place on the first Sunday of October. With staff and volunteer crew, we cover the performances and public service announcements that originate from the Rotunda stage. More importantly, our After-School program student participants and staff offer insight into community access television and video production. All are welcome to stop by our booth to learn more about innovative media and how our youth are using media to share their stories. To learn more about Children & Youth Day please visit www.hawaiicyd.org.
For more information on any of these initiatives please email, call (808) 237-2189, or follow us on Facebook. You may also inquire directly at a nearby Community Media Center.