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Youth Development

16 Feb

Everyday Skill Building: Helping Teens Grow as Leaders

Leadership development doesn’t only happen through formal titles or special programs. For teens, leadership skills can be built in everyday moments—when they’re given responsibility, encouraged to speak up and trusted to contribute in meaningful ways. By intentionally...
9 Feb

Daily Practices to Strengthen Relationships and Prevent Risk

Strong relationships are one of the most powerful protective factors in young people’s lives. When teens feel connected to trusted adults and peers, they are more likely to make healthy choices, seek help when they need it and navigate challenges with resilience....
2 Feb

Creating Alcohol-Free Spaces Where Teens Thrive

Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances among young people, and the environments teens spend time in play a powerful role in shaping their choices, behaviors and expectations. While individual education and skill-building are important, prevention doesn’t...
21 Jan

Five Ways Youth Programs Can Strengthen Mentoring

Mentoring doesn’t only happen in formal, one-on-one matches. In youth programs, mentoring shows up in everyday interactions—when adults listen, when young people feel seen and when relationships are built on trust over time. By strengthening these moments, programs...
20 Oct

Shining Bright: Celebrating Lights On Afterschool

Every year, communities across the nation come together to celebrate Lights On Afterschool, a day dedicated to showcasing the important role afterschool programs play in the lives of young people, families and communities. Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, this...
24 Apr

The Power of Youth Voice: Why Listening to Young People Matters

When we talk about building effective programs for young people—whether in schools, community organizations or advocacy initiatives—there’s one crucial element that often gets overlooked: youth voice. It’s not just about including young people in the room. It’s about...