Thirty-two generations of Apprentices have helped to build this program, and we are now looking to form a new "Group One." If you have been looking to make a dynamic shift in the form of sustainable economics, free media expression, new technology and a sense of social and spiritual responsibility, then First Voice may be for you. If you come from an under-represented community, are flexible, passionate, have a positive outlook, and are willing to work in a diverse group setting, we encourage you to apply.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Friday, January 25, 5pm No Exceptions!

• Email Us:
• Download the application in PDF format here
• To request an application call (510) 848-6767 x235

The mission of the First Voice Apprenticeship Program is to facilitate community building and creative empowerment through healing, creative expression, and the adaptation of information technology. The "First Voice" exists deep within ourselves, it is the consciousness or intuition that leads the way.

For 25 years, First Voice has been bringing women and people of color into media through radio by working in partnership with community radio station KPFA 94.1 FM in Berkeley, CA, the flagship station of the Pacifica Network. The program has taught radio production and engineering to people from many cultural, socio-economic, political and ethnic backgrounds.

First Voice is now expanding to utilize multi media and digital tools. Our goal is to economically empower our communities through expression; using video, audio, podcasting, and web content and design, while facilitating sustainability through economic and financial literacy.

The program follows Four Beats: Expression leads to healing that opens our creative vision to adapt and insure the cultural and economic survival of our communities. The program is 24 months and is divided into four phases, representing the four beats.

PHASE ONE: Expression

In P1, Apprentices will begin to explore their own stories and draw connections with one another. They will creatively identify and express what they really need and want in life. P1 Apprentices learn sound theory, group process, and production development.
Classes Tues & Thurs 7-9:30p

PHASE TWO: Healing

In P2, Apprentices will find their creative voice and learn the skills to build a strong foundation for their ideas to emerge. They will learn the value of facilitation, meeting deadlines and time management. P2 Apprentices will learn engineering, digital editing for multi media, script writing and delivery.
Classes Weds & Thurs 7-9:30p

PHASE THREE: Vision

In P3, Apprentices will refine their skills while strengthening personal connections with their communities. P3 Apprentices will be the senior producers for Full Circle, the Apprenticeship Show. They will develop their strengths through live recordings, advanced multi-media production, and development of economic and financial literacy.
Classes Mon & Weds 7-9:30p

PHASE FOUR: Adaptation

In P4, Apprentices define and realize their artistic and entrepreneurial goals; through business plans and adapting the creative tools, knowledge, and resources acquired from previous phases to achieve their creative vision.
Classes TBA

THE DAYSHIFT

Apprentices are required to spend one business day each week working at KPFA. The dayshift is a five hour shift and runs on an intergenerational group learning model, with each phase teaching the next. The Dayshift integrates service to the station, skills acquired in classes, vision and leadership.
Hours: M & W 9:30am-2:30pm Tues & Thurs 1:00pm-6:00pm

A non refundable supply fee is due the first night of class.

PHASE ONE: Expression

In P1, Apprentices will begin to explore their own stories and draw connections with one another. They will creatively identify and express what they really need and want in life. P1 Apprentices learn sound theory, group process, and production development.
Classes Tues & Thurs 7-9:30p

PHASE TWO: Healing

In P2, Apprentices will find their creative voice and learn the skills to build a strong foundation for their ideas to emerge. They will learn the value of facilitation, meeting deadlines and time management. P2 Apprentices will learn engineering, digital editing for multi media, script writing and delivery.
Classes Weds & Thurs 7-9:30p

PHASE THREE: Vision

In P3, Apprentices will refine their skills while strengthening personal connections with their communities. P3 Apprentices will be the senior producers for Full Circle, the Apprenticeship Show. They will develop their strengths through live recordings, advanced multi-media production, and development of economic and financial literacy.
Classes Mon & Weds 7-9:30p

THE DAYSHIFT

Apprentices are required to spend one business day each week working at KPFA. The dayshift is a five hour shift and runs on an intergenerational group learning model, with each phase teaching the next. The Dayshift integrates service to the station, skills acquired in classes, vision and leadership.
Hours: M & W 9:30am-2:30pm Tues & Thurs 1:00pm-6:00pm

A non refundable supply fee is due the first night of class.

The program is intensive and demanding, with night classes and one dayshift per week. All those selected must agree to serve their respective communities and Pacifica, in exchange for skills development and access to resources.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
To request an application call (510) 848-6767 x235
- or -
Download the application in PDF format here

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Friday, January 25, 5pm No Exceptions!

MANDATORY ORIENTATION
Thursday, January 31, 7pm at KPFA

INTERVIEWS
February 8 & 9
You will be assigned a time at Orientation

Send your application to:
KPFA Radio
First Voice Apprenticeship Program
1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704

Many of our graduates continue to work in media.

"Prior to completing the program, radio was a mystery. After the program I feel very confident about my abilities. I now understand the amount of time and dedication needed to be a producer."
Vini Beachem
Independent Producer
KPFA Drama & Literature Department

"The Apprenticeship Program has an enormous impact and made a considerable contribution to my understanding of radio and radio production environments"
Robin Gianatassio-Malle
Executive Producer KQED, Forum

"I owe a debt and acknowledge what went into this outstanding informative program. It not only taught basic skills, it also taught and instilled the desire and knowledge of excellence."
Noelle Hanrahan
Producer, From Death Row: This is Mumia Abu-Jamal

"It was literally my beginning in media... the Apprenticeship took me step by step through a production process...conceptualization, visualization, structure, implementation, collaboration, and finally execution and discipline."
Maricel Pagulayan
Award-Winning Film, Cable & Television Producer

"The commitment to diversity has enabled me to speak up for the rights of people who are not represented on programs or on the staff at National Public Radio."
Tish Valva
Producer, NPR/Weekend Edition

"The apprenticeship program offers a unique opportunity to learn media in a multicultural environment with a social justice agenda. If you believe in these founding principles, you will surely be rewarded with dope media skills. But more importantly, you will be connected to a long legacy of community-dedicated media visionaries who will help you keep your eyes on the prize."
Weyland Southon
Executive Producer: Hardknock Radio, Seven Generations;
Associate Producer,
Mumia Abu-Jamal: 175 Progress Drive

"As a community activist, one of the greatest injustices that I have worked to overcome is the lack of access to the media. I believe that love and a respect for diversity is essential for any social activist to be successful. Being a part of the KPFA Apprenticeship Program has changed my life, allowing me to broadcast stories of the people in the community."
Joy Moore
Producer, KPFA, About Health