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SPY HOP PRODUCTIONS


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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.

Spy Hop Productions is a nonprofit youth media arts center in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Missy Greis (grice), chair of the Spy Hop Board of Directors, says Spy Hop exists because they believe the next generation has something to say. And they believe that armed with the right tools and awareness, they can help these kids speak more clearly and with more power. At their heart, Spy Hop is a youth development organization. They use media as the hook to draw kids in and provide them with a positive outlet for developing life skills, creativity and self awareness.

That first group of 12 students, 2 staff members and a budget of just $20,000 has grown to a program serving 2,000 students each year with 17 staff members and a budget of $1.2 million. Word of what Spy Hop offers continues to spread, and of the surveys from kids who've finished the program, 99 percent would recommend it to a friend.

The inspiration for Spy Hop Productions, from founders Rick Wray and Eric Dodd in 1999, was to put a camera in kids' hands and let them make a documentary. It was a revolutionary kind of after-school program to engage the kids while teaching them digital media skills.

They understand how these kids in the program now, from 7 to 19 years of age, are true digital natives. They've grown up in a world where everything is digital and people always have a digital device in hand. Spy Hop works to train their participants, on how to use media as a tool. They offer courses on topics including video production, design, music and audio. Since their kids come from diverse backgrounds and economic circumstances, this also adds to the program's effectiveness. These are great skills for a college application or resume.

The value of quality programs for our youth can't be minimized. It gives them purpose, value and outlet for expression. Just ask the folks at Spy Hop Productions in Salt Lake City.

For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.

Spy Hop Productions 511 W. 200 South #100 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 801-532-7500 www.spyhop.org

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