YOUTH VOICE

YOUTH VOICE

What is Youth Voice? Why is it important?

Youth voice is the idea where young people have a voice in society to create potential change and be part of decision-making processes. At MAP, we’re dedicated to “improving the lives of all children and youth by supporting and enhancing high-quality and enriching afterschool and summer learning.” One of the ways we achieve this is through partnerships, but while MAP collaborates closely with teachers, educational professionals, and nonprofit partners, children and youth are ultimately the centerpiece of the out-of-school time field. A cornerstone of our mission is creating and supporting partnerships for student success and well-being, and we look to continue to advance this mission by incorporating youth voice and choice to inform the direction of MAP’s work and beyond.

Youth Voice Toolkit

The Afterschool Alliance offers a Youth Voice Toolkit on their website.

Their toolkit includes information on:

  • An overview of youth voice and key takeaways, such as incorporating a focus of meeting youth where they are

  • The spectrum of youth voice, based on the Texas Network of Youth Success’s Definition of Youth Engagement, adapted from the works of Dr. Robert Hart and Jack Nowicki (LICSW)

  • Culturally responsive youth voice, including a cultural competency learning plan

  • And more!

STEM in Afterschool Youth Roundtables Initiative

In the spring of 2023, MAP created a Youth in Afterschool STEM Roundtable Initiative that invited youth participants who were engaging in after school STEM activities and/or had an interest in STEM careers to share their experiences and knowledge on afterschool STEM programming.

Youth from across the Commonwealth met virtually with our social work intern to discuss their STEM programs, future STEM career opportunities, and more, over the course of 6 sessions. Youth were paid stipends for their participation in the initiative.

Elevating youth voice in afterschool: other examples

The Vermont Afterschool Network supports youth councils in 8-10 communities across the state. Funding from the Northfields Savings Bank Foundation and the Vermont Department of Health provides stipends to the youth councils to support their youth-driven projects.

The Afterschool Alliance has recruits Youth Ambassadors and empowers them to share their personal stories on why afterschool is important on a national level.

Are you elevating youth voice in your afterschool or summer program? Want to share your innovative ideas with the field? MAP can help! Email chloe@massafterschool.org.