ENGLEWOOD — A new after-school program for high school students will educate them about the radio industry, law enforcement and college.
The After School Radio program is free, open to all high school students and sponsored by the Englewood Police District Chicago Alternative Policing Strategies.
Kennedy-King College is hosting the pilot program at its WKKC studios, 740 W. 63rd St., from 4-5 p.m. weekdays for six weeks beginning Monday.
Due to limited space, CAPS Officer Daliah Goree said interested teens should complete an online application as soon as possible. Participation in the program also earns students Service Learning Hours, a graduation requirement by Chicago Public Schools.
Goree said the idea to start an after-school program came from 17 students who attended the Englewood District's summer program.
"At the end of our summer program, the kids kept asking us when were we going to do another one. That's when we started brainstorming about this pilot program," Goree said. "We plan to teach students the ins and outs of the radio industry. Youths will also learn how career and college options, self respect and how best to interact with the police."
The career portion of the program will center on WKKC, said Abe Thompson, director of operations for college radio station.
"There's more to learn about radio than how to be a DJ or on-air personality. Radio stations have accountants, attorneys, human resources, managers and more," Thompson said. "These are some of the career choices we plan to expose students. Hopefully students will take what they learn from the program and transfer their experience into whatever career they choose."
Other technical skills Thompson said students will learn include audio and Internet production media sales, and interactive media design.
"This program also serves as a great recruitment tool for Kennedy-King," Thompson said.
