Many high school track teams boast long histories of championship titles, top-tier equipment and state-of-the-art facilities. West End Secondary has none of that — only a devoted coach and a tight-knit community.

Together, coach Robert Dice and his students have built a track program that is now challenging much larger schools. This episode follows their rise from underdogs to Public Schools Athletic League contenders, showing how grit and teamwork can rival tradition and resources.

Camilla Spillmann is a junior at West End Secondary School in Manhattan. She is an artist, writer, and active member of her school’s track and green teams. She loves bubble tea, good books, and cozy, fuzzy socks.

The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.

Follow Dawn Lee’s path from hospital administrator to community doula supporting families in neighborhoods identified by the city’s Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity. She gives back through doula services that nurture clients’ mental, emotional and physical well-being. In a conversation with her daughter, Zoë, Lee reflects on working in an often-unrecognized role and the deep emotional toll and rewards that come with it.

Zoë George is a senior at Bard High School Early College Manhattan. She co-founded her school’s crochet and fashion club, leads the art club, serves on the admissions team, and has participated in the CUE Art Initiative. She also works annually with the International African Arts Festival. When she isn’t busy reading Plato or Machiavelli for class, she enjoys crocheting, baking, and online window shopping.

The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.

In this episode, explore the incredible story of Wilfredo de La Mota, or “Frank.” He is a Dominican barber at "The Best Barbers," a barbershop located in the Bronx. Frank has been cutting hair for over 35 years and shares his journey from a rural area in the Dominican Republic, to owning a barbershop in the Bronx, which became a pillar of his community. He discusses overcoming challenges such as immigration, racism, and even the pandemic. Tune in to hear how Frank’s shop transformed into a cultural hub, blending history and politics, all while keeping his neighborhood looking sharp.

Yandell Echavarria recently graduated from high school and is headed to Pace University. His passions include communications, acting, journalism, and technology. He enjoys going on runs, exploring the city, spending time with friends, and eating out.

The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is an intensive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students, hosted by The Bell.

In a borough where fast food outnumbers healthy options, Felicia Forbes is making a difference with Freckle’s Juice. Hear about Felicia Forbes’s journey, from her humble beginnings selling juices from her Bronx apartment to operating a thriving juice bar chain. Despite facing significant challenges, including rising produce costs, she remains committed to improving health in her community. This episode dives into her inspiring story and the impact she’s making in the Bronx and beyond.

Delyse McEwen is a senior at NYC iSchool in Soho. She serves as co-president of her school’s Culture Club and is an active member of the Black Student Union. Outside of school, Delyse spends most of her time reading, writing, and listening to music.

The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.

Em Eason is the director of Skilled Craft Programs at The Beam Center, a nonprofit organization that empowers young people to explore their creativity and develop hands-on skills through collaborative projects in making and learning using tools like drills, welding torches, circuitry, sewing machines, and more. Em reflects on their journey from a small town in Colorado to leading exciting youth woodworking programs in NYC. Discover how woodworking and power tools empower teens, how Em’s approach to teaching has evolved, and an exclusive inside look at Beam’s transformative programs.

Khilola Radjabova graduated from the International High School at Prospect Heights and is an incoming freshman at Hunter College, where she will study psychology. Hilola enjoys reading romance books and watching action, adventure, and fantasy movies such as Supernatural and Teen Wolf. She was a part of the badminton team for the past three years, which usually played during the spring, and she hopes to start her own badminton club in college. Hilola likes to meet new people, share experiences with them, and listen to others.

The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.

David Sisko is a leading music producer and owner of Min Max Studios in NYC. Hear about Sisko’s journey from synthesizer enthusiast to a pivotal figure in New York’s music scene. He shares insights into what makes his studio unique and how it connects diverse musical communities. Learn about the creativity and dedication that fuel his success in the industry.

Avery Tapper is a junior at Eagle Academy. He is an active member of the Eagle Academy football team. When not focused on sports, Avery can be seen enjoying chess, playing basketball, and exploring New York City with his friends.

The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.

In this episode, explore Fry Factory, a unique fried chicken spot nestled in a gas station in Brooklyn. The owner Abubakor Siddik, moved from Bangladesh to New York with his friends and family, and shares how an unexpected opportunity led them to take over this struggling shop. Tune in to hear how the blend of hard work, family bonds, and culinary passion drives their success.

Anim Sams is a junior at Pace High School, where he serves as student president and participates as a photographer and sports director for the journalism club. In his free time, Anim loves to watch soccer, especially when his favorite team, FC Barcelona, is playing.

The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.

Brooklyn Tea is a Black-owned shop blending tea culture with the vibrant energy of Brooklyn. Co-owner Alfonso “Ali” Wright shares his journey of starting the shop alongside his wife, Jamila Wright, and how they overcame challenges during the pandemic. From humble beginnings, Brooklyn Tea is now sold in over 100 Target stores, with the Wrights dreaming of even more expansion. Their story is one of resilience and community as they turn their brewing dreams into reality.

Kelsi Bowen is a senior at Bard High School Early College in Manhattan. She is President of her school’s Black Student Alliance and Captain of her school’s Step Team. She has hosted three “Black Hair Care” workshops at her school where she navigated students from all grades through wash days, the history of how to go about protective styles, and debunking myths around Black Hair. When she isn’t studying or stepping, she’s either braiding or binge watching Teen Titans (2003) (the best one!!!!!)

The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.

Hear the inspiring journey of Lester Lin, owner of Elm Roastery Café in Elmhurst, Queens. Lester transformed his struggles into a force for good, building not just a business, but a community hub that radiates hope and support. We explore the challenges he overcame, the risks he took, and the dedication that fuels his mission. Through his story, we witness how one café became a symbol of resilience and a cornerstone for the community it serves.

Evelyn Naula is a junior at Maspeth High School in Queens, New York. She is a productive athlete on both the badminton and tennis teams. Currently, she serves as the editor of the Key Club at her school and is a dedicated member of the National Honor Society and Young Governors. Outside of her academic achievements, Evelyn loves to have fun, eat tacos, and especially enjoys shopping.

The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.

Board games are just games, right? In this episode, find out how they are so much more. Jill Pullara is the program director for Brooklyn Game Lab. She shares her stories and insights from working at this game-based after-school program, where kids of all ages develop critical social-emotional skills. Tune in to explore explore how something as small as a board game can make a big impact on a community.

Melissa Choi is a junior at Orchard Collegiate Academy on the Lower East Side. She has a second degree black belt in Taekwondo and uses her skills to teach others self defense. When she isn’t studying, teaching, or kicking a punching bag, she loves to draw and read romance novels.

The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.