About
Located in Recreation Centers throughout New York City, the RECYouth program provides free digital video and audio production training.
RECYouth provides NYC youth (ages 6 –19) with the skills to become digital filmmakers, musicians and storytellers. RECYouth is a free, citywide program, based in Parks’ Recreation Centers, that offers hands-on, pre-employment training in digital video and audio production. Every week, more than 200 young people participate in RECYouth programming throughout New York City.
RECYouth participants are trained in camera operation, sound recording and post-production, while gaining a foundation in writing and research skills. Exciting projects, ranging from fictional narrative to experimental documentary, provide students with an outlet to express themselves creatively. Students are encouraged to collaborate as they gain technical and aesthetic skills, ensuring experience with all aspects of production.
Upon completion, RECYouth-produced work is featured at public screenings, festivals and on television, including the DocuJam and Urban Visionaries Festivals, MNN, NYCTV, NY1. The RECYouth Press Corps, comprised of a select core of program participants, creates short videos and public service announcements for the Parks Department and its partners.
Many of our graduates continue to study film, video and audio production beyond their RECYouth experience. Graduates have won full scholarships to study film at schools such as Parsons and City College; they have created award-winning independent films and documentaries; and have gone on to work for organizations such as PBS.
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