The Youth Channel is a division of Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) serving youth under 25 years old. Established in March 2000, MNN's Youth Channel provides low-income and youth of color with access to a quality media forum through which to express creativity, foster dialogue, and encourage social and civic participation. It is an alternative to mass media, providing equal access to all young people, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or social status.
The Youth Channel strives to build confidence, establish role models, inform, educate, and entertain. It empowers youth to create change within their communities and the world. The Youth Channel is run by adults and youth who want to make a difference.
In early 2012, the MNN Youth Channel moved to the MNN El Barrio Firehouse Community Media Center, a brand new renovated historic firehouse in East Harlem. The new center features a state-of-the-art Youth Media Lab and offers educational programs for young people, ages 12 to 25, their families and communities.