youth leadership Archives

The 15-year-old behind Florida’s new bipartisan drowning prevention law

The successful push for access to life-saving swimming lessons for Florida elementary-age kids shows us that law-makers will follow a youth-led initiative.

How Cureco is redefining youth-led health advocacy, youth-led advocacy_feature: teen girl with long dark hair stand in front of boxes of medical supplies on table

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From the Field

How Cureco is redefining youth-led health advocacy

Youth-led advocacy encourages long-term civic engagement, leadership development and community-centered problem-solving.

Q&A Maxwell Shei, Open Keys_feature: group of youth play guitars on stage with greenery in background

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From the Field

Q&A with Maxwell Shei, 17-year-old co-founder of Open Keys, on bringing real performance opportunities to musicians “in the middle.”

Open Keys believes everyone deserves a stage and  the opportunity to experience the transformative power of performance.

The power of youth voice _feature: female student gives presentation in front of classroom

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From the Field

The power of voice

Debate’s transferable skills — including public speaking, critical thinking and intellectual humility — empower youth voice.

Trusting youth, We keep asking young people to trust us-But how much do we really trust them_feature: two female students giving presentation while educator looks on

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Opinion

We keep asking young people to trust us. But how much do we really trust them?

Across the allied youth fields, youth are often asked to contribute but rarely allowed to shape outcomes.

Youth dance builds the skills young people need_I credit dance with my pursuit of medicine_feature: group of children dancing on stage, some with arm raised and finger pointing up

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From the Field

Dance builds the skills young people need. I credit dance with my pursuit of medicine.

If we want young people to relish the joy of learning and grow into capable, compassionate adults, youth dance deserves its place...

civic skills, youth thriving, Six reasons to read Teen Centered Civics for Human Thriving_feature: group of teens put hands together over world map

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From the Field

Civic skills for 20 million young people: A Q&A with Rajiv Vinnakota

Karen Pittman speaks with Rajiv Vinnakota about cultivating civic skills that develop effective citizens.

Why agency, voice and coherence is the work_feature: group of diverse youth smiling

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Opinion

Why agency, voice and coherence is the work: Supporting social, emotional and academic well-being and thriving in challenging times and contexts

From a developmental perspective, coherence is not something young people are told they are part of; it is something they feel.

Coaching not correction_The shift youth serving systems need to build real leaders_feature: male educator/mentor helping two girls with STEM project

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From the Field

Coaching, not correction: The shift youth-serving systems need to build real leaders

You can’t correct a kid into leadership. Adolescents develop youth leadership through environments that support autonomy, belonging and skill-building.

When accomodations exist on paper but not in practice_how ACT testing fails students with disabilities: male high school student taking test on laptop

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Opinion

When accommodations exist on paper but not in practice: How ACT testing fails students with disabilities

Students with disabilities face barriers when trying to access standardized testing accommodations, especially those without strong adult support networks.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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?

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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...

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

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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.