Rika Welsh Community Impact Award
About the award: It recognizes an individual or group—who has generated a project that speaks directly to a clearer understanding of the cause being championed. The content, whether modest or large, would reflect the passion for the goal. Use of PEG resources enables a greater empowerment of purpose and appreciation of the cause championed, concurrent with community media awareness.
Nominted by President, Herb Jackson (representing the Board of Directors)
Since 2015, TeenTigerTV has embodied the principle that “Youth-led means U decide how U can make a commUnity impact. Unity begins with ‘U’.” This award-winning program has supported a dozen economically or socially challenged youth annually with a free, flexible summer media production experience that transforms participants’ lives while creating content that resonates throughout the community. Approx. 100 youth have come through the program. Seeing the program recognized because they engaged, learned, and delivered with excellence and authenticity could encourage others to take part and uplift those who will remember their first job, first video, first collaborative experience, or first win.
Based upon the criteria for the award, please give examples of why your nominee should be selected.
TeenTigerTV exemplifies how PEG access resources can empower marginalized voices. Access to tools & stage, mentors, experienced filmmaker & story coaches. The dedication to youth-welcome, youth- led is evident in every aspect—from flexible scheduling that accommodates family vacations to the genuine “You are welcome here” philosophy that creates a supportive environment for youth who may feel marginalized elsewhere. The content champions youth voices. TeenTigerTV participants have created content that speaks powerfully to their lived experiences and community needs.
TeenTigerTV has achieved what the Rika Welsh Award seeks to honor:
1. Clear understanding of the cause: Youth understand they are not just learning video production—they’re claiming their right to community storytelling and civic participation.
2. Passion reflected in content: From mental health advocacy to historical analysis, participants tackle subjects meaningful to their generation with authenticity and courage.
3. Empowerment of purpose: Economically and socially challenged youth discover their voices matter, their stories deserve platforms, and their perspectives can win national recognition.
4. Appreciation of PEG resources: Participants explicitly recognize the privilege and power of having access to professional equipment and broadcast platforms, often expressing that these opportunities would be otherwise impossible.
5. Sustainable community impact: Ten years of consecutive operation proves the model’s viability while the awards demonstrate content quality that educates, inspires, and advocates.
How has the nominee served as an inspiration to others in PEG media?
TeenTigerTV has often been recognized in the Hometown and Nor’Easter Festivals. Their work ranges from modest PSAs to sophisticated documentaries. All reflect the passion and lived experience of young people using media to process their world. Some advocate for change. Others tell community stories. Some explore how to be in the world, like the First Job Series in the program’s launch year. The interviews continue to be viewed and provide intergenerational insight into a shared experience.
Here is a sampling of recent festival achievements in categories like Access Promotion, PSA, Experimental, Documentary, and Entertainment:
• “When I Speak Freely” – Multiple awards including ACM National Hometown Award (About Access & Empowerment), WNET Lincoln Center Official Selection, 2nd Place ACM-NE Nor’Easter, and a $2,500 stipend. This powerful piece about youth voice and agency became a national conversation starter about democracy and empowerment.
• “988 Its Never Too Late” – Multiple awards for this PSA addressing mental health crisis support, demonstrating youth willingness to tackle difficult topics affecting their peers.
• “Framing Words About Manifest Destiny” – 2024 ACM Hometown winner that blends rap, documentary, and experimental formats to examine complex historical and social themes.
• “Who, What, When, Why” because the ‘Where’ Is always Wallingford podcast series – 2024 ACM Hometown winner showcasing youth perspective on their community.
• “What’s In The Bag” – Award-winning community event coverage that documented activism and civic engagement.
• “Disconnected” – A film examining contemporary digital life and isolation issues facing youth.
We believe TeenTigerTV represents PEG access at its finest—giving marginalized youth the tools, support, and platform to tell their own stories, champion causes they care about, and discover their power as media makers and community change agents. The program doesn’t just teach video production; it transforms young lives while creating award-winning content that amplifies youth voices in conversations where they’re typically absent. Here are two examples of feedback:
The transformative impact is captured in participants’ own words:
“Your guidance and kindness has helped me grow beyond my expectations and given me the confidence and strive to reach past the stars and go beyond… You’ve changed my life and made me happy, and I am eternally grateful.”
Community members recognize the program’s unique value: “I enjoy watching the Teen Tiger TV segments… these folks could very well be the future of broadcasting in our state, we need to get them all the props and support they need and deserve.”
