City of Tampa Television’s (CTTV) high-energy, teen-oriented magazine program, “From the Corps,” received a first place national award during the 2008 Hometown Video Festival held the first week of July in the nation’s capitol. The show won in the Magazine Shows - Youth category. The Alliance for Community Media (ACM) hosts the Hometown Video Festival as part of their annual conference and trade show. “From the Corps” has won three national awards, and last year also took home a first place prize in Florida Recreation and Park Association’s Media Excellence Awards program.

Now in its fifth year of production, “From the Corps” targets today’s youth with show topics that are intended to inspire, praise and connect teens to one another. The award-winning episode focused on teen substance abuse, as well as a lighter story on how to pick and care for the ideal pet. Mayor's Youth Corps members invited experts into the CTTV studio, as well as some pretty unique pets. Each show also includes a youth commentary where participants are given the chance to openly voice their opinions on topics important to today’s young people.

“I think it attracts national attention, because at its core it’s all about showcasing what young people are doing in a positive way,” said City of Tampa Television Producer/Director Frank Crum. “We cover real stories about young people – stories about suicide and drug abuse – and then go beyond that to find out what local people are doing that is positive and effective.”

Members of the Mayor’s Youth Corps produce “From the Corps” on a monthly basis with the guidance of CTTV staff. Youth Corps participants are directly responsible for the creation of the show’s content from script writing and field reporting to the technical aspects of directing, camera operation and video editing. The “From the Corps” production staff also includes the Assignment Desk, alumni that assist the current team in organization and meeting deadlines.

“From the Corps” can be seen on City of Tampa Television (CTTV), Verizon FiOS channel 15 and Bright House Networks channel 615 throughout Hillsborough County on Sundays at 3 p.m., Mondays at 9:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 6p.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 a.m