KEXP is proud to offer a free educational program designed to teach young people the art of music curation and radio broadcasting. Participants will work alongside KEXP DJs to develop skills in music selection, board operation, digital and physical music library management, and on-air broadcasting. The program also includes mentorship opportunities and a behind-the-scenes look at how non-commercial, public, community radio works. All sessions will take place at the KEXP studios.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Youth ages 15-18 with a passion for music.
ALL PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE:
- Fully funded six-week in-person class instruction
- $150 stipend for in-person class sessions from September 11, 2025 - October 16, 2026
- $30 for each show aired on KEXP
- One-on-one mentorship from KEXP DJs
- Program duration: September 11, 2025 - June 11, 2026
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
- Youth ages 15-18 based in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
- Reliable and responsible
- Eager to learn and improve new skills
- Access to Wi-Fi
- Owns a working laptop (if not, KEXP will help provide one)
- Enjoys collaborating with others
- Passionate about music, discovering new sounds, and sharing tunes
- Demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment to creative projects
- Interested in music curation
- Can commit 3-4 hours per week for class learning and homework between September 12 and October 17, plus three 30-minute one-on-one mentorship sessions between October and May
- Able to attend in-person, two-hour recording sessions twice per month
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS:
- Class start date: Thursday, September 11th
- Class end date: Thursday, October 16th
- Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM PST (weekly)
- Recording sessions: October 23rd - May 28th (approximately two per month)
- Mentorship sessions: Between October and April
Participants who complete the full training will become part of a rotating team of hosts for KEXP’s youth-led radio program, 90.TEEN.
The first show will air on Saturday, November 1st at 6:00 AM PST on KEXP.
On-air participants are expected to source their own music files that aren't already available in KEXP’s library. Please note: streaming services are not supported as a music source for KEXP shows.
Please be aware: there is no guarantee of employment at KEXP.
Applicants must live in or around the Seattle-Tacoma metro area and be able to travel to the KEXP studios.
For any inquiries about the Youth Radio program or 90.TEEN, please email feedback@kexp.org.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU!
