Engaged students aren’t just participants—they’re partners. This month, we’re diving into Collaborative Program Design, a skill that transforms programs from being for youth to being with youth. By inviting students to co-create learning experiences, we…
Newsletter
Leadership
Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about vision, commitment to learning and growth, a feeling of ownership, and the ability to inspire others. Building your leadership capacity is an ongoing journey.
As Youth Development professionals, we all have the opportunity to practice these skills daily, whether leading a class, motivating a team, coordinating a project, mentoring a student, or working with families. In this edition, we’ll explore how self-reflection, adaptability, and vision-setting can help you grow into a more effective and inspiring leader.
Let’s build the skill together!
Active Listening to Youth Input
Ready to flip the script? This edition of SkillBuild 3-2-1 is all about putting students in the driver’s seat. The strongest programs are shaped with youth—not just for them. When students feel heard and empowered,…
Community Building and Group Management
A safe space isn’t built by rules, it’s built by relationships. This month we’re diving into strategies that help youth co-create community, manage conflict with care, and feel a true sense of belonging. This edition…
Build the Skill: Re-engaging Disengaged Learners
Summer is in full swing, and so is the challenge of keeping every child tuned in. While some learners dive right in, others may drift, zone out, or disconnect. This month, we’re tapping into the art of reengagement: spotting those quiet moments of disengagement and using smart, subtle strategies to pull children back in. With tools like proximity, curiosity hooks, and easy on-ramps into learning, you can re-ignite interest. Reengagement isn’t just a move, it’s a mindset.
Let’s build the skill together!
Build the Skill- Voice and Tone Management
Summer is around the corner, and you and your teams are looking forward to the energy, spirit, and new routines of summer programming. Building rapport and establishing a strong leadership presence from day one is…
Build the Skill: Proactive Relationship Building
Great youth development spaces don’t just happen—they’re built on strong relationships! When mentors, coaches, and educators create environments where every young person feels heard and valued, engagement grows, confidence soars, and learning thrives. Research shows…
Build the Skill: Active Listening to Youth Input
We all know that when young people have a voice, they have more buy-in, growth, and impact. But how often do we truly listen—beyond the surface—to what they’re telling us? This month, we’re diving into…
Build the Skill: Inquiry-Based Facilitation
To all our peers committed to sparking youth curiosity and igniting engagement, we see you. Inside this issue, you’ll find valuable notes for Inquiry-Based Facilitation, an educational approach that encourages young learners to actively explore,…
Build the Skill: Youth-Led Community Service Learning
Skillbuild Powered by Breakthrough – Build the skill:
Youth-Led Community Service Learning