As America celebrates its 250th birthday, a new KQED radio special turns to the next generation for perspective. The Next 250: Youth Voices on Democracy features original audio commentaries by middle and high school students from across the country. Young people from California, Colorado, Kentucky and Montana, these storytellers reflect on democracy, community and the future. Drawn from KQED’s Podcasting Democracy: Understanding the Constitution to Inspire Civic Change project, these student-created stories connect the nation’s founding ideals to the real-world issues youth see in their own lives and communities.
Listeners will hear a local reflection on food insecurity in a difficult economy, a student perspective on the impact of mountaintop removal in Kentucky, a thoughtful exploration of voting rights in Montana, and even a humorous reflection on lost sleep during Daylight Saving Time. Together, these stories offer personal, research-based insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the country today. With music courtesy of Kai Lodge, listen now to hear what young people want for America’s next 250 years.