The Adobe Foundation today announced that its signature global philanthropy program, Adobe Youth Voices, has launched Adobe Youth Voices Essentials, a free, downloadable offering of the Adobe Youth Voices program for teaching youth 21st century digital media skills. Now available at www.youthvoices.adobe.com, Adobe Youth Voices Essentials enables educators to use key elements of Adobe Youth Voices curricula and other resources to create breakthrough digital media learning experiences for their students.

The Adobe Youth Voices Essentials lesson plans and activities are designed to help educators launch, guide and sustain effective youth media programs. The materials guide educators on youth-centered instruction, media production, and strategies for exhibition and distribution. Adobe Youth Voices Essentials also provides real-world examples of media projects produced by teens involved in the Adobe Youth Voices program, providing inspiration for educators and students alike.

Established in 2006, Adobe Youth Voices empowers youth in underserved communities to use technology to explore and express their perspectives on issues impacting them and their communities. The program gives educators the training and tools they need to develop unique experiences that inspire youth to become active and engaged participants in learning. In addition to building digital literacy, Adobe Youth Voices provides youth with real-world workplace skills such as teamwork and collaboration, as well as critical thinking and creativity.

"Adobe Youth Voices is committed to encouraging youth to be creative, articulate contributors to their communities," said Michelle Mann, executive director of the Adobe Foundation. "We're proud to support educators in constructing meaningful and inspiring learning experiences for students around the world with the availability of Adobe Youth Voices Essentials."

About Adobe Youth Voices
Adobe Youth Voices is the Adobe Foundation's global philanthropic initiative that empowers youth from underserved communities with digital media skills so they can comment on their world, share their ideas and take action on issues that are important to them. By harnessing the energy and insight of young people 13-19 years old, Adobe Youth Voices aims to inspire a dialogue for change in their communities.

The program teaches youth to express themselves through documentary film-making, photography, print journalism, radio diaries, animation, Web communications and other media. The Adobe Youth Voices global network now includes 158 sites, grantees and organizations in 31 countries, engaging over 20,000 youth and 1,000 educators in schools and out-of-school programs.

Adobe Youth Voices Essentials enables all educators to take advantage of a subset of Adobe Youth Voices materials and curricula. These free step-by-step lesson plans and activities enable educators to help middle and high school-age youth create meaningful multimedia.

For more information, visit www.adobe.com/go/youthvoices.

About the Adobe Foundation
The Adobe Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation created and funded by Adobe Systems Incorporated to leverage human, technological and financial resources to drive social change and community improvements.

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