Youth Opportunities
Do you want to make a difference? Are you interested in becoming a youth leader, or advancing your leadership skills? Do you want to help other young people become strong and successful? Whether you are a teen or a staff member, keep reading to discover how YDTRC can help you achieve your goals.
Click on the headings below for more information:
Youth Action Teams to Combat
Underage Drinking
Our newest project addresses a serious concern for most
young people today: the risks and negative impact of
underage drinking. Those who participate in this
project can also apply for
mini-grants that allow them to enhance their
contribution (click on the link or see below for more
information).
Annual Youth Forum
Each year, YDTRC sponsors a special event to celebrate young leaders from
middle and high schools in the Greater New Haven area. These talented youth have managed to stand above the
crowd and make a difference on behalf of others and their
community. The Annual Youth Forum offers participants the
chance to gain information and resources and to meet other
motivated teenagers. Activities include teambuilding, a choice of workshops,
dinner, and entertainment.
Mini-Grants for Youth Engagement
Youth and staff who team up together are invited to apply for a Mini-Grant
of up to $1,000. This
money can be used to fund a “youth development” project
to benefit your community. Projects
should emphasize youth participation and aim to create
lasting services, opportunities, and/or supports for young
people. NOTE: This special funding opportunity is only available to staff
members who have graduated from YDTRC’s Advancing
Youth Development course and are ready to partner
with youth.
Youth Leadership Retreats
YDTRC offers youth leadership retreats for high
school youth in collaboration with schools, after-school
programs, and organizations such as the School for Ethical
Education and the Regional Youth Substance Abuse Project (RYSAP). These overnight retreats provide an opportunity for
youth leaders to build skills and share their youth
group’s strategies. Sessions
are co-facilitated by youth leaders and an adult advisor.
Student Internships at YDTRC
Work at YDTRC! Each school
year and summer, YDTRC hires students to work alongside our
staff and gain valuable career skills. During the school year, we hire 1-2 student interns
from New Haven High Schools to work 10 hours/week, through
the School-to-Career Program. During the summer, we hire 1-2 interns to work
20-25 hours/week, through Youth@Work. (Youth@Work places 1,200 teens from New Haven High
Schools in a variety of businesses, not only to help them
earn money but also to help them gain workplace experience.)
Youth Leadership Opportunities in the Community
YDTRC provides teens with information on a range of opportunities to serve
in a leadership capacity in the community. We frequently invite youth to present at our one-day
workshops, to present or co-facilitate at trainings, and to
get involved in advocacy efforts (such as a community event
intended to increase awareness of underage drinking).
Youth Leadership Resources
YDTRC has developed an extensive list of resources that may be of interest
to young leaders. Please
check out our link to Youth Leadership Resources to connect
to a variety of organizations on the national, state, and
local levels. Here
you will find numerous resources for young people interested
in becoming activists, peer educators/mentors,
entrepreneurs, funders, and even board members.
