ABOUT US
Our mission is to empower youth from diverse backgrounds to express themselves, build self-confidence, and develop leadership skills through community broadcasting.
Andy Zanca (left) and Cody Swidler broadcasting on KDNK in 1987
OUR HISTORY
ANDY ZANCA YOUTH EMPOWERMENT Serving Youth Since 2000
Annemarie Zanca created the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program (AZYEP) in 2000 in honor of her brother Andy, KDNK Community Access Radio’s first youth DJ. Andy died by suicide in 1998.
Annemarie, a child and family therapist, recognized that Andy’s radio experience was a highlight of his life, providing community connection and a tool to combat isolation. She founded AZYEP to provide similar opportunities to youth throughout the Roaring Fork Valley giving all students access to community broadcasting.
In our twenty-three year history, AZYEP has served more than 5,000 youth and now broadcasts six hours of live talk and music programs every week during prime time on KDNK. In addition, AZYEP partners with schools from Aspen to Parachute to showcase student work. We engage youth in news production and provide mentoring opportunities.
