We believe in the power of developing your own narrative through, commentary, feature stories, and other short audio projects that highlight teenage experiences both in and out of High School. With an emphasis on sound quality, recording and interview techniques, studio production, research, editing audio, and writing, students acquire the tools to share the way they view the world.
The Foundation
Media Lab's introductory session runs for twelve weeks. Students meet twice a week after school at New England Public Radio's headquarters in downtown Springfield. This session offers all of the basics to get students producing their own audio narratives, from writing and interview skills to audio production and editing. Small class sizes and hands-on instruction gives students total control over their own work. In a setting that offers a safe space, supportive environment, and the opportunity to have a great deal of fun, students become a part of a growing community at Media Lab.
Ready to let the world know what story you're telling? Interested in learning audio production and post-production? Looking to simply try something different by making a difference? We would love to meet you.
Partnerships
Media Lab partners with other local organizations and school programs to share its unique approach to storytelling and audio journalism.
A new partnership with The Care Center in Holyoke has students enrolled in the center’s Media Literacy class at Holyoke Community College producing audio story pieces related to their classroom work and life experiences.
The Community Journalism program at Springfield’s Commerce High School involves students from the UMass Journalism program, led by Professor Nicholas McBride. The Community Journalism program and Media Lab have partnered on several joint projects, developing print, audio and visual journalism across the two programs. Through weekly discussions, and project based assignments, this partnership is also collaborating with Ground Truth to share the work the students produce on a national platform.
Learn more about these programs:
Advisory Board
Media Lab is building an advisory board that will offer a diverse perspective on the growth and future projects Media Lab will be working on. For more information on this group please contact Media Lab Director Carlos McBride.
Connect with Media Lab
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Charles Evans speaks to the Media Lab Summer Cohort. -
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Chef Sonya Yelder visits the NEPM Media Lab. -
Anaiah interviews Angel Rios at NEPM. -
Angel Rios visits NEPM studio on Tuesday, July 15th, 2025. -
Chef Sonya Yelder visits NEPM. -
Angel Rios, of Springfield, is the host of “The Rally Cry” podcast and founder of the card game “Enough Said.” -
Charles Evans and his international basketball team and foundation flew out to Puerto Rico for a basketball tournament this past July. -
Sonya Yelder is a chef and owner of the sandwich shop at 929 Belmont Ave., in Springfield’s Forest Park neighborhood. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu London and was a chef at Smith College before opening her shop. -
Priscilla Kane Hellweg is the director of the Arts Integration Studio, which is a creative maker space. She’s been living in Holyoke for 40 years now and also for 40 years she was the director of the nonprofit, “The Enchanted Circle Theater,” which is based in Holyoke.
