PROJECT ABLE (Arts, Business, Leadership, and  Exploration) is an innovative career exploration and job skills training program that addresses the needs of youth ages 14-21 who face multiple barriers to employment. Youth practice both the hard and soft skills of today’s workplace while earning a stipend for their participation in a challenging arts-based curriculum. Using the visual, performing, media and literary arts, youth develop leadership and communication skills, explore their options for the future, and discover the power and joy of creative self-expression.

This summer Mill Street Loft is collaborating with Children’s Media Project to offer young people in Poughkeepsie a chance to create something meaningful: a by-youth-for-youth radio show. Eleven youth were hired by MSL and CMP to produce all aspects of the radio show, called Turn it Up! Turn it Up! is an hour-long magazine-style program featuring youth commentary, reporting, poetry, drama, and live on-air discussions of issues that matter to young people today. We also have an accompanying blog, where you can find out the story behind the stories you hear on air. Tune in to WVKR 91.3 fm from 4-5 pm on Thursdays through August 11th to hear this lively, entertaining, and inspiring show. And check out our blog at www.turnitup2011.blogspot.com

For more information contact Mill Street Loft 845.471.7477.

Click the links blow to hear some of the poetry and music produced by Project ABLE youth.

Alexis’ Cinderella Story	TURN IT UP! Anthem
Alex’s Name