The relationship between The ONEIL Center and Elevate Dayton continues to flourish. The two entities are partnering to help launch the Finding Our Voices program.

The Finding Our Voices program provides Wright State University students with training and support as they learn how to create content for several local, Black-owned media platforms. Students of any major and skill level will be supported by The ONEIL Center’s interns and the Elevate Dayton staff as they learn how to create content in their preferred medium.

“The ONEIL Center is committed to meaningful experiential learning for students that make a positive impact on the region through community service and workforce development,” said Brandy Foster, executive director of The ONEIL Center.

The Finding Our Voices program also includes the Bolinga Black Cultural Center and MADE Museum as partner organizations. Each semester, the partner organizations will receive cohorts of 20 students to help create content for their respective platforms.

Another distinguishing aspect of the program is while it welcomes any student, it’s specifically recruiting Black students due to its focus on celebrating Black culture.

The Finding Our Voices program is made possible by a $4,000 Students First Fund grant from the Wright State University Foundation. As part of the grant, there will be a virtual showcase where students can demonstrate their work and network with local community groups and leaders.

“Getting funded to pursue a program like this is a testament to The ONEIL Center’s strong collaborations on and off-campus,” said Foster.