Trainings & Courses

Designed to meet diverse needs and busy schedules of youth development providers, SkillBuild offers in-person and virtual training sessions, e-courses on demand, and curated peer-learning experiences.

SKILLBUILD AT WORK

Dynamic and Relevant Learning Experiences through live trainings, online courses and Peer-Learning Communities

SkillBuild offers you a unique and continuous learning journey through dynamic, relevant, and evolving content. We offer a range of learning and professional development opportunities to provide you with the skills and insights necessary to excel in your role and develop as leaders. 

We are rooted in the power of interaction and collaboration. Live trainings – both in-person and virtual – are designed to promote engagement with facilitators and fellow providers, fostering a culture of shared experiences, learning and continuous improvement. Online courses, available on-demand, provide opportunities to learn at your own pace, while gaining insights through reflection boards and collective online spaces for shared learning. Our peer-learning communities offer meaningful spaces for learning, growth, and connections, empowering participants to tap into, and contribute to, the collective wisdom of a diverse network.

LIVE TRAININGS

Trauma and the Brain 101

Facilitated by Up2Us

Trauma-informed coaches possess a profound comprehension of how the human brain reacts to stress and trauma. They recognize that the behavior of young people holds powerful narratives waiting to be unveiled. In this class we delve into the significance of trauma-sensitive coaching, emphasizing the need for coaches to comprehend that the reactions exhibited by young individuals in our programs often surpass what meets the eye.

Drawing upon the latest research in psychology and neuroscience, in this class we explore the underlying mechanisms of the brain’s response to trauma and stress. By developing a comprehensive understanding of these processes, coaches will be equipped to recognize and respond sensitively and effectively to the hidden stories behind the behavior of young people. Armed with valuable insights, practical tools, and enhanced empathy, at the end of this class,  coach-mentors will be better equipped to support the healing and growth of youth who have experienced trauma.

  • Introduction to Trauma-Informed Coaching: Gain an understanding of trauma and its impact on young individuals and what the role of coaches can be in creating a safe and supportive environment. 
  • Recognizing Trauma in Youth: Build your understanding and abilities to identify signs and symptoms of trauma. Learn how to differentiate trauma-related behaviors from typical behavior. 
  • Building Rapport and Trust: Gain best practices in how to establish a safe and non-judgmental coaching relationship. Learn how to cultivate empathy and active listening skills. 
  • Creating Trauma-Informed Programming: Designing activities and interventions that promote emotional safety. Implementing strategies to minimize retraumatization
  • Self-Care and Resilience for Coaches: Learn how to recognize the impact of secondary trauma, and build self-care techniques to maintain personal well-being

Managing Challenging Behavior

Facilitated by Up2Us –

Next Class: TBA
Children and young adults who require Youth Development programs the most are often the ones who exhibit visible behavior challenges. In this session, we encourage coach-mentors to shift their mindset and view behavior as a skill that can be developed. Through this lens, coaches can harness the same skill-building processes that prove effective for sports and life skills to assist young individuals in charting new courses of behavior. This session also includes a reflective component, offering personalized takeaways that can be implemented into programming.

This course is designed to equip coaches with a transformative approach to addressing behavior challenges in youth. By reframing behavior as a skill that can be cultivated, coaches will gain valuable insights and practical tools to support young individuals in navigating their behavioral journey.

  • Shifting Mindsets: Recognize behavior as a skill to be developed and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing behavior challenges. Overcome traditional approaches to behavior management and embrace a growth mindset for both coaches and youth. 
  • Leveraging Skill-Building Processes: Learn to apply sports and life skill development techniques to guide behavior change. Learn effective behavior-focused interventions and activities to chart new behavior courses. 
  • Reflection and Personalized Takeaways: Engage in self-reflection to identify areas for growth as a coach. Begin to identify ways to adopt new behavior interventions to meet the specific needs of youth. Deepen your intention and abilities to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for behavior change.

By the end of this course, coaches will possess a fresh perspective on behavior challenges and a comprehensive toolkit for skill-building. Through practical exercises, case studies, and self-reflection, participants will be able to apply this transformative approach to their coaching practice and help young individuals chart new courses of behavior. Armed with personalized takeaways and a deeper understanding of behavior as a skill, coaches will be empowered to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth they serve.

Introduction to Sports-Youth Development 

Next Class: TBA
This engaging and highly interactive development session delves into the profound impact mentors and coaches can have on the youth they serve. Through this course, you will be introduced to the core competencies required to become exceptional coach-mentors, empowering you to make a lasting positive difference in the lives of young individuals.

  • The Impact of Coach-Mentors: Explore the transformative role that coach-mentors play in shaping the lives of youth. Gain a deeper understanding of the significant influence you can have on their personal growth and development.
  • Core Competencies: Discover the essential skills and competencies needed to excel as a coach-mentor. Learn effective strategies for building strong relationships, fostering resilience, and empowering youth to reach their full potential.
  • Comprehensive Practice Planning: Expand your perspective on practice planning to benefit youth not only on the field but also in the classroom and throughout their lives. Discover innovative approaches and techniques to enhance their overall growth and success.
  • Creating Trauma-Informed Programming: Designing activities and interventions that promote emotional safety. Implementing strategies to minimize retraumatization
  • Interactive Learning Experience: Engage in interactive discussions, dynamic activities, and practical case studies that bring the concepts to life. Collaborate with fellow participants, sharing insights and experiences to deepen your understanding and learning.
Skillbuild Powered by Breakthrough: Introduction to Sports-based youth development

Building Positive Program Culture

Facilitated by Up2Us –

Next Class: TBA

Teams with a strong and positive culture play a vital role in fostering a sense of connection and safety for young individuals. In this session, we delve into the four key actions that coaches can undertake to cultivate such a culture: implementing a behavior code, embracing positive traditions, offering opportunities for significance, and facilitating the development of meaningful friendships. By exploring these fundamental elements, coaches will discover how to create a robust team culture that effectively supports their broader programming efforts.

This course focuses on equipping coaches with the knowledge and skills necessary to build a positive team culture that empowers youth and enhances their overall experience. Through practical exercises and case studies, participants will develop the skills to implement behavior codes, establish positive traditions, provide meaningful opportunities, and foster friendships within their teams. Armed with these strategies, coaches will be better equipped to create an environment where young individuals can thrive, grow, and reach their full potential.

  • Understanding the Importance of Team Culture: We will explore the impact of team culture on youth development and how we can create a sense of belonging and psychological safety.
  • Establishing a Behavior Code: Gain practical skills to developing clear expectations and guidelines and how to create a shared culture of respect, inclusivity, and accountability.
  • Embracing Positive Traditions: Cultivating rituals and routines that foster a sense of community is a powerful tool for high-performing programs.
  • Providing Opportunities to Matter: Empowering youth by involving them in decision-making processes is critical. Learn how to recognize, elicit and value individual strengths and contributions to create a more impactful experience for all. 
  • Facilitating Meaningful Friendships: Build strategies for fostering connections and social support within the team. Learn creative new ways to promote empathy, teamwork, and cooperation.

Incorporating Student Voice into Program Design

Next Class: TBA
In this course, participants will learn about the importance of incorporating student voice into program design and the benefits it can provide for both students and educators. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and interactive activities, participants will explore strategies for soliciting and collecting student feedback, as well as techniques for analyzing and interpreting that feedback to inform program design and decision-making. By the end of the course, participants will have the skills and knowledge they need to effectively incorporate student voice into their programs, and will be better equipped to create more inclusive, engaging, and effective educational experiences for their students.

  • Participants will have the tools they need to create more inclusive, engaging, and effective educational programs that truly reflect the needs and interests of their students.
  • Understand the importance of incorporating student voice in program design and the benefits it can provide for both students and educators.
  • Identify effective strategies for soliciting and collecting student feedback, including the use of surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews.
  • Analyze and interpret student feedback to inform program design and decision-making.
  • Evaluate the impact of incorporating student voice on program effectiveness and student engagement.
Skillbuild powered by Breakthrough: Incorporating Student Voice Into Program Design

Upcoming Trainings - Coming Soon

  • Building Impact through Youth Volunteering
    • Description: This training equips youth program leaders to conceptualize, launch, and optimize a youth volunteer program that channels student potential towards meaningful service. Discover tips for volunteer recruitment, project development, community partnerships, impact tracking and more.
  • Establishing Strong Teacher/Leader Presence  
    • Description: This session empowers youth development professionals to build their leadership presence when guiding young participants. Learn to hone compassionate authority, grow trust, and exude energetic confidence that motivates youth to engage.  
  • Excellence in Youth Lesson and Project Delivery 
    • Description: In this session, youth development professionals will build foundational skills for delivering top-quality lessons, activities, and projects to young participants. Learn research-backed methods for preparation, structure, engagement strategies, and more to create dynamic delivery that educates and inspires youth.
  • Fostering Community Through Collaboration 
    • Description: This session provides youth workers with methods and activities for bringing young people together through creative collaboration and team building. Learn how to facilitate cooperative games, challenges, and projects that break barriers and allow youth to connect.

E-Courses

SkillBuild, will soon be offering a range of e-courses.  These courses are designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in various areas of Youth Development and will provide you with valuable learning opportunities. 

Upcoming Courses

  • Innovating Youth Programming Through Creativity and Engagement 
    • Description: This course equips youth development professionals to inject innovation, creativity and engagement into their programming. Through exploring research, models and practical strategies, learn how to develop original activities fueled by the passions and perspectives of youth themselves.

Leadership and Your Why

Get ready to unleash your leadership potential! Through interactive activities and discussions, you’ll explore the characteristics of developing successful youth leaders and develop your own mentoring style and vision. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to inspire youth and make a positive impact in your program.

Asset-Based Language

This course will equip you with the power of asset-based language to positively impact youth aged 6-12. Engage in interactive activities and discussions that teach the importance of asset-based language in the field and how it fosters student learning and development. By course end, you’ll identify and use asset-based language to support student success and well-being. Elevate your mentoring practice with this essential tool!

Purpose Driven Youth Leadership

This course will engage in interactive activities and discussions to understand the importance of Purpose Driven Leadership and how it informs their personal leadership journey. They’ll develop a personal vision and plan, grounded in Purpose Driven Leadership principles, and learn to communicate their value and benefits to peers and teachers. Join us and help shape the next generation of purpose-driven leaders!

To stay tuned for more information on the upcoming courses complete the interest form:

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