Last year, the New York City Department of Education raised the standards for passing the 8th grade and ended social promotion--the practice of letting failing students matriculate to keep them with their peers. Radio Rookie AJ Frazier has always just skated by, so this meant he needed to change his ways. AJ reports on how the higher standards impact his work ethic and explores the shady line between getting promoted or being left behind.

Radio Rookie Rocky Tayeh reports on the City Council's latest effort to improve education in NYC – a hearing held especially for students to testify about the state of their schools.

Veralyn has spent almost her whole life in the United States. She doesn't even remember Sierra Leone - her birth country from which her parents moved when Veralyn was an infant. Her dad has a green card. Her younger siblings are all citizens who were born in New York. Veralyn, however, is confused about her own legal status. 

Eighteen year-old Radio Rookie Shakima Swain - a first time voter - finds out what it means to be a Republican at the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City.

Alena's parents let her make a lot of her own decisions, but when Alena leaves her apartment she feels less free. She feels discriminated against because of her age. Alena is fourteen and frustrated by laws that say she can't vote, drink or drive.

Marisa, leftist teen activist, tries to start a youth activism group on Staten Island and learns a few things about what does and doesn't sway the conservative masses.

Marisa was mentored by Subrata De.

When Jaimita got bumped up into a more advanced high school program, all the books were brand new and the students listened politely to each other. Then, because of overcrowding, she got dropped back into the relative chaos of mainstream classes. In the course of reporting on it, Jaimita surprises herself and her principal.

Jamita was mentored by Will Morton.

Jiovan goes on a quest to better understand what kind of impact the Bush administration will have on his friends and family.

My story is about how there are not enough free things for kids in my neighborhood to do after school.

My story is about how easy it is for kids in Bushwick to get guns. I interview gun dealers, my principal and crime fighters.