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HTX Voices: Training Students Through Storytelling and Career Preparation

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We believe in the transformative power of storytelling and its ability to shape futures and build careers. This belief, championed by Juan Elizondo, led to the creation of HTX Voices, an innovative program designed to provide students with hands-on experience in multimedia production while telling impactful stories. The program's creation, goals, and successes align seamlessly with our Portrait of a Graduate and the XQ Super School Project, ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills and experiences necessary for their future careers.

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The Vision of Juan Elizondo

Juan Elizondo, with his unique background in Radio-Television-Film, envisioned a platform where students could harness the power of media to share their narratives and those of their communities. His experience as a producer and director for numerous environmental stories and educational projects inspired him to create HTX Voices. Elizondo recognized that storytelling could be a profound educational tool, empowering students to express themselves creatively while developing essential career skills.
 

Why HTX Voices Was Created:

HTX Voices was born out of a need to provide our students with real-world skills in media production and storytelling. Recognizing the importance of these skills in the digital age, we aimed to create a platform where students could explore their creativity, develop technical expertise, and produce meaningful content that resonates with their communities.


The primary intention and goals behind HTX Voices is to train students by:
 

  • Providing Career-Oriented Training: Offering hands-on experience in video production, editing, photography, and storytelling.
     

  • Fostering Creative Expression: Encouraging students to explore and express their unique voices through various media.
     

  • Connecting to Real-World stories: Enabling students to create content that uplift social, environmental, and community history and culture.
     

Types of Stories Focused On

HTX Voices focuses on a diverse range of stories that highlight the following:
 

  • Environmental Stewardship: Documenting initiatives and challenges related to environmental sustainability and community health.
     

  • Cultural Heritage: Celebrating the rich cultural diversity within our community and preserving important traditions.
     

  • Social Upliftmernt: Highlighting stories of individuals and groups working to make a positive impact in their communities.
     

  • Student Experiences: Sharing personal narratives of students' journeys, positive impact, and successes.
     

Funding and Internships Through XQ Super School Project

The XQ Super School Project played a pivotal role in the creation and development of HTX Voices. From 2020 to 2022, XQ funding provided the necessary resources to establish the program and offer paid internships to students. These internships allowed students to gain practical experience, build their portfolios, and connect with professionals in the field.
 

Career Preparation and Workforce Development

HTX Voices is more than just a storytelling platform; it is a comprehensive workforce development program. Students involved in HTX Voices gain a variety of skills that are essential for careers in media and beyond, including:
 

  • Technical Skills: Mastery of video production, editing software, photography, and sound design.
     

  • Soft Skills: Development of critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication abilities.
     

  • Professional Experience: Real-world experience through internships, collaborative projects, and interactions with industry professionals.
     

Collaborative Efforts and Young Adult Involvement

Since 2023, HTX Voices has evolved into a collaborative effort involving young adults who were once students in the program. These alumni continue to contribute by mentoring current students, leading projects, and producing content that maintains the program's high standards. This ongoing collaboration ensures that HTX Voices remains dynamic and relevant, continually benefiting new generations of students.
 

Alignment with Our Portrait of a Graduate

HTX Voices embodies the principles outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate by providing students with opportunities to develop as:
 

  • Skilled Communicators: Learning to convey ideas effectively through various media.
     

  • Critical Thinkers: Analyzing and creating content that addresses real-world issues.
     

  • Innovative Problem Solvers: Using creativity and technical skills to produce impactful stories.
     

  • Community Leaders: Engaging with and making a positive impact on their communities through storytelling.

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Our partnerships are a testament to our dedication to impactful collaborations. Organizations such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Student Conservation Association, Texas A&M University, and HISD Schools,  and numerous others have joined us on this transformative journey. Shaping the future, one story at a time, "HTX Voices" passionately invites others to be a vital part of our mission, supporting and uplifting the next generation through meaningful projects and partnerships. Together, we are building a legacy of education, community, and storytelling. The portfolio of work can be seen on the website at HTXVoices.com.

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