EVC in Focus
Notes From Steve

One refrain we hear over and over from our students is: “EVC doesn’t feel like school.” Why do students who struggle at school feel so engaged at EVC? Why do they work so hard, and feel such accomplishment? What is it about this place?

 Steve

With that question, we welcome you to our first “EVC In Focus.” Every six weeks, we’ll be sending you ruminations on our work—a chronicle of the ideas that have been bubbling up for us; the questions that keep us up at night; the creative and intellectual journeys taken by our students; and the conversations with mentors, colleagues, and students that have inspired new ways to see and think about our work. We share these stories, experiences, and lessons learned as a contribution towards the re-imagining of new possibilities for transforming the lives of youth in under-served communities.

And so, that question: even though students attend our documentary workshop three hours a day, four days a week, for a full semester, even though they conduct research, keep journals, and learn about social issues, even though they earn credit after successfully presenting final portfolios, they still say it doesn’t feel like school. Why? ...Read More

Youth In Focus Rhodine

Rhodine, from Woodside Queens, goes to LaGuardia Community College. She worked on the documentary “Shame on You” (featured below) and is currently making another documentary in Advanced Documentary Workshop.

When you first heard about EVC, what did you think it would be like?
I figured we'd make films, but I thought they'd dictate the whole process. I didn't know it was going to be so free, or so hands-on.

What do you think you learned?
I learned a lot of things. I learned to work with people, I learned to get over my nerves.

I learned that I'm a very dedicated person. When I came to EVC it surprised me how much I wanted to stay after and come early and use my breaks, just to finish this project. So I found out how dedicated I can be to something, when I really love it.

And what is the result of all that dedication?
A good documentary. I hope!
Events EVC Store
“Shame On You: That Can Be Reused!” is a must-see intergenerational documentary that explores environmental justice and recycling in NYC’s urban communities with a focus on the South Bronx. Through interviews with experts, South Bronx residents and youth groups, EVC Youth Producers examine what environmental racism is, whom it affects and how we can make a change. Watch an excerpt
Happening At EVC Students
Fifteen high school students from all five boroughs of New York City have joined together for this semester’s Advanced Doc Workshop class. The workshop deepens the skills of these young media makers-many of whom have already taken EVC’s basic workshop-and is being taught by EVC alumni Christine Mendoza and Kellon Innocent. Teen Pregnancy is the subject for this semester’s documentary, and the group will explore the issue by following two groups: teens who are currently choosing between the options available to them—and adults who faced the same dilemma a decade ago, and now reflect on the choices they made.
Learn more about Doc Workshop    Meet Christine and Kellon