1. Is KultureMAG an effective resource for student growth?

2. Can students find inspiration and connections in reading material in a world where social media usage is at an all-time high? 

Background

​"According to a national survey of middle and high school students, less than one third indicated that their school provided a caring, encouraging environment, and less than half reported that they had competencies such as empathy, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills (Benson, 2006; cited in Durlak et al., 2011)." 

​

Social media use is at an all-time high. On the daily students face external and internal factors that diminish self-esteem, community, and personal growth. A student academically nourished yet emotionally and socially stunted is a student that will fail to thrive. We know our world continues to make movement toward technological advancements. Societal stressors weigh on our students becoming productive. However, valuable agents of the workforce can be heard by them in conversations and seen in their behaviors both in school, at home, and on social media. The technology of today has encouraged globalization and interconnectedness like never before, yet on the contrary, bullying has increased and social wellness has decreased. Students must understand and appropriately discern between what is right and wrong. Students must understand their purpose in the world and see themselves as valuable. Rightfully so, our institutions make a strong focus to prepare our students for the workforce through education, yet so, many of our students are lacking the social and emotional skills to prepare them for their future in humanity. It was said that students who are developed socially and emotionally, are more adept at making sound decisions, present with high levels of self-esteem, gain confidence, and understand their need to fulfill their duty in the world. As technology advances and education evolves, the way by which we connect with students and young adults will need to change. Media and technology is an effective way of educating, informing, and entertaining students alike. Television programs like Sesame Street and Blues Clues established the framework for this social, emotional, and intellectual educational framework. In terms of print media, Scholastic News established itself as a  pioneer for such student growth. 

​

In an era where students are faced with low self-esteem, lack of motivation and drive, overconsumption of social media - all similar challenges by way of different avenues, innovative methods must be encouraged and adopted to better prepare our students for the future as productive members of society. 

​

This study was conducted in order to test the compatibility of KultureMAG and its effectiveness amongst middle and high school students as a resource for promoting student growth emotionally, socially, and academically. At the genesis, we found that there is currently no periodical designed and relatable specifically geared toward the high school and college demographic. A publication that considered the value of digital technology and students’ affinity for it. In 2016, KultureMAG established itself to fill a void.

We tested KultureMAG’s effectiveness amongst a sample population size of 200 students from a diverse background and demographic. We achieved this by using edgy design influenced by their own social media preferences, crafty and relatable content, and applying branding principles. The effort to enforce positivity, self-confidence, and empowerment through original content (art, poetry, interviews, etc.) was a success. The mag aims to inspire youth to identify, develop, and leverage their own talents, to become positive contributors in their communities, and to pursue post-secondary education. To further develop by strengthening students' social support networks and their skills in self-management. SEL can help to unleash the potential within academic environments to support students’ well-being and success

If we introduce a well-crafted publication geared toward middle and high school students, created with branding principles in mind, students will feel connected, inspired, and seek more.

200 STUDENTS

4 HIGH SCHOOLS

URBAN & SUBURBAN

INSPIRATIONAL

Relatable

Shareable

Dopeness