PBS Newshour Student Reporting Labs launches series on teens challenging gender stereotypes
From new military combat roles for women to Hollywood pay equity, gender politics played a big role in the news this past year. But how do preconceived notions about gender affect the lives of middle and high school students?
Just As Strong
High school students Channell Rogers and Sierra Buster refuse to let gender stereotypes prevent them from pursuing a hobby they both enjoy, building, and a career goal they both aspire to, the construction business.https://vimeo.com/148130114Produced by Jayla Hope, Jute’ius Jasper and Timia Moore, students at Hughes STEM High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Instruction provided by SRL Connected Educators Melissa Sherman. Mentor support provided by Jason Dennison and Tim Kraus of CET.
Fix All of It
What’s it like to be a female mechanic? Sofia Rodriguez is an 18-year-old Texas native who currently works at both Jiffy Lube and Dynamic Motor Repair. Working in a male-dominated field can be challenging, however, Sofia says: “Bring it on.”https://vimeo.com/151023756Produced by Luisa Garcia and Karen Lopez, students at Manor High School in Manor, Texas.Instruction provided by SRL Connected Educator Rakeda Ervin.Mentor support provided by Allie Sandza of KLRU. PBS Student Reporting Labs across the country were challenged to profile young people breaking down stereotypes. How does it feel to be the only girl in the room or only boy on the team? These stories include young welders, pilots, hunters, dancers and game designers. Several explore LGBTQ identity.
Clearly, Generation Z is learning to think and live ‘Outside the Box.'
The project represents the storytelling of more than 30 schools across the country who profiled young people challenging gender stereotypes in sports, industry and society at large. Twenty-one PBS stations are part of this truly unique content collaboration.Student Reporting Labs connect students with a network of public broadcasting mentors, an innovative journalism curriculum and an online collaborative space to develop digital media, critical thinking and communication skills while producing original news reports.