The Youth Engagement develops projects based on the interests of key youth partners, in the arts, hip hop, audio/video production, agricultural development, and experiential learning. As youth engage in project trainings and self-development, they take on more responsibility; as they commit more time, they become youth partners. The goal of the YEP is the development of youth who can participate actively in the community, expanding their formal, informal education, and becoming partners in the development of YEP project. The YEP seeks to achieve this through engaging youth in long term relationships, sharing in learning through the lens of popular education, supporting positive youth development, and encouraging youth agency. Participating in YEP activities, youth gain an understanding of the social, historical, cultural context of the community through active practice and engagement with the world. Youth lead and advise on all decisions of the project. As such, they build skills, becoming agents and participants in the larger social process. One key thread is the emerging concept among key youth leads and educators that sovereignty in community, social, and economic matters is critical, that is, the local community must have access and control of its own resources.
Youth Engagement Project Mission Statement:
The Youth Engagement Project develops innovative projects and programs in the school and community with a focus on the the arts, hip-hop, audio/video production, agricultural development, and adventure and experiential learning. The YEP approach is that every young person carries the history, the potential, and ability to understand their lived experience, which can inspire learning. The projects above are platforms for engaging young people to participate in mentoring, leadership development, self-development and skills development. Through mentoring and positive relationships, project facilitators identify youth who develop as Peer Educators. These youth engage others, and build leadership capacity in the local community.
2001 N. Centro Familiar, SW