Feature Story Archives

skilled trades and trades education: Yong person with brown hair in top knot leans over work tale peering at liquid in long yellow level

We taught students to love hands-on learning. Let’s help them continue to embrace it once they leave the classroom.

Many students, encouraged by hands-on learning, are perfect for a career in skilled trades. But, society's response has often been: Go to...

What I learned teaching sex education as a teen, and why every school needs it_feature: young woman points to diagram of sexual organs in front of classroom

164

From the Field

What I learned teaching sex ed as a teen, and why every school needs it

A peer educator speaks about her experiences teaching peer-led sex education lessons.

From systems leadership to learning ecosystems stewardship_feature: group of kids watch an educator giving a presentation outside

290

Opinion

From systems leadership to ecosystems stewardship: A next step for OST intermediaries?

The benefits of comprehensive learning ecosystems are vast, but a vital part of maintaining and stewarding them will fall on OST programs/intermediaries.

service learning, youth workers: Happy young volunteers in gloves collecting, sorting food for needy people

378

Opinion

They age out — then we hire them. What happens next matters most.

Despite the vital role of young staff, we know little about how these experiences shape their development and which workplace practices help...

On learning and meaning making _feature: group of youth working at table together

330

From the Field

On learning and meaning making

Katherine Plog-Martinez speaks with Kim Sabo Flores about how meaning making—reflecting on and making sense of experiences—is crucial to youth development.

Giving Tulsa students a clear path from curiosity to career_feature, afterschool STEM: group of youths in rocket and drone club along with mentor/teacher

489

From the Field

Giving Tulsa students a clear path from curiosity to career

Afterschool STEM programs spark interest and help students build skills and confidence while increasing awareness of STEM careers.

An invitation to learn reflect and act together for equity-centered thriving: group of diverse youth happily works at table together

477

Opinion

An invitation to learn, reflect and act together for equity-centered thriving

A new podcast features foundational thinkers, exemplary youth practitioners and policy leaders discussing what it takes to support equity-centered thriving.

restorative professional development for youth workers_workshop outdoors, connecting to nature_feature: group of people standing outside with blue, partly cloudy sky

727

Opinion

A restorative approach to professional development for youth workers

Jen Curry of Change Impact highlights restorative professional development for the youth workforce, detailing six ways organizations can implement it.

From chronic absence to chosen presence: chronic absenteeism, Classroom with light wood desks and bright blue chairs and no students

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Opinion

From chronic absence to chosen presence: The case for new measures, especially for high schoolers

Looking at what motivates students to attend when they don’t have to could be the secret to helping communities reduce chronic absenteeism.

On readiness to change, youth development_feature: three youths at youth organization even happily discussing something

911

Opinion

On readiness to change

Katherine Plog Martinez speaks with Arielle Lentz about the importance of youth organizations' readiness to implement science-based youth development.

climate decision-making, Climate change: youth at street protest with many signs amd large deep yellow banner with black text, "We are the ones we've been waiting for."

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Opinion

The missing voices in climate decision-making: Youth

Why are youth left out of climate decision-making spaces and conversations about the climate crisis we will inevitably inherit?

College students can help close the gap between demand and availability for afterschool programs_feature: young woman with group of excited young children around model volcano in afterschool program

1.3K

Opinion

College students can help close the gap between demand and availability for afterschool programs

These collaborations benefit the institutions and partner organizations, the college students serving in these afterschool program roles and local youth.

youth homelessness: young person sitting with head in hands on side of a street

1.1K

From the Field

New partnership to identify root causes of youth homelessness, find real-world solutions

A new partnership will drive the building of prevention and exit ramps to halt and reverse the youth homelessness crisis.

The new federal education tax credit_A time to make lemonade_feature: young teacher helps a student in afterschool art program

2.5K

Opinion

The new federal education tax credit: A time to make lemonade?

Large youth-serving organizations could take advantage of a new federal education tax credit originally meant to establish a national voucher-like program.

Shifting the game_Kuhn, hip-hop future of youth work_Paradigm Shifts_feature: paradigm shift, group of hiphop artists in street in the past

930

Opinion

Shifting the game: Kuhn, hip-hop and the future of youth work

Hip-hop shows that the next paradigm begins at the margins. If we learn to recognize that in youth systems, we may help...

1.2K

Opinion

How youth are leading change in pediatric rheumatology

There are only ~420 board certified pediatric rheumatologists in the U.S., creating a stark lack of access. Room4Rheum is looking to change...

positive youth development grants; young african american woman leading class

1.8K

Opinion

On Integrating Research and Practice: A new resource bridges the gap

The ultimate goal of this book is to bring the voices of leading positive youth development scholars directly to youth development practitioners.

Back to school back to Unified_How your organization can champion inclusion_feature: Young adult with down syndrome smiling and giving a thumbs up while holding a basketball while another person does the same behind

1.7K

From the Field

Back to school, back to Unified: How your organization can champion inclusion

Unified isn’t just about sports; it’s about creating opportunities for connection, understanding and leadership by welcoming students of all abilities.

A capstone essay on 50 years of promoting positive youth development _feature: young boy and mentor/father figure walk outdoors while talking

2.4K

Opinion

A capstone essay on 50 years of promoting positive youth development

Positive youth development researchers/practitioners must remain steadfast in providing every young person with developmental assets and relationships.