education projects for youth

Positive Youth Development: Best Activities & Training Programs

Investing in our young people is a wise but seemingly daunting undertaking. Positive youth development encompasses research-driven practices that have proven to be effective in building skills in teens.

What do these programs look like and what traits do effective positive youth develop programs have? Read on to explore more about this fascinating framework.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Goal Achievement Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will help the youth in your programs create actionable goals and master techniques to create lasting behavior change.

This Article Contains:

What is positive youth development, framework, models and theories explained, 5 examples of successful programs, 3 activities and strategies for your program, assessment tools: 2 questionnaires and inventories, 6 training programs, certifications and online options, a look at our positive psychology resources, a take-home message.

Positive youth development (PYD) is about valuing young people as members of society and giving them the skills, voice, and opportunities to contribute to society. PYD is a somewhat recent approach to youth research and practice. Formally conceived in the early 1990s, it is an alternative approach to reducing problem behaviors in youth (Nystrom, Prata, & Ramowski, 2008).

Like positive psychology, positive youth development encompasses a strengths-based approach where skills are fostered. This is contrary to a deficit-driven perspective where concerns are addressed. In other words, this theory is more or less preventative in nature.

As opposed to being an assessment of anything and everything that appears to be advantageous for young people, it is instead a collection of best practices for working with youth. PYD can also be described as an

“approach with strong defining assumptions about what is important to look at if we are to accurately capture the full potential of all young people to learn and thrive in the diverse settings where they live.”

Damon, 2004, abstract

Positive youth development promotes resilience and bonding; social, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and moral competence; and self-determination, self-efficacy , and positive identity development among children, adolescents, and young adults (Dimitrova & Wiium, 2021).

PYD subscribes to the growth mindset theory, involving the plasticity of human development. This means that youth’s skills and abilities can be developed and improved over time.

5 Principles of positive youth development

• PYD is a strengths-based framework (Yuen et al., 2022). Instead of focusing on concerns youth may have to face and the challenges they may be required to overcome, PYD aims to develop important skills necessary for adulthood.
• PYD revolves around research-based practices that have proven to be effective (Romer & Hansen, 2021). Instead of haphazardly executing practices, PYD involves the intentional implementation of practices that have demonstrated success in similar programs.
• Positive environments, positive experiences, and positive relationships are essential to human flourishing; however, they are particularly important for developing youth. Ensuring that young adults have access to programs where they can anticipate positive environments, experiences, and relationships is essential for effective PYD programs (Hamilton et al., 2004).
• Considering Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, physiological and safety needs must be met prior to addressing other elements such as needs of belonging, self-actualization, and self-esteem. PYD operates under the same premise where youth directors understand young people require basic physiological and safety needs to be met before tackling some of the more difficult agents in young adulthood (Thorn, 2021; Wallace, 2021).
• PYD programs should involve youth voice (Lindsay et al., 2021). Involving these benefactors’ perspectives helps to present relevant and effective opportunities that build vital skills. Allowing youth to contribute will help to ensure acceptance and a willingness to take part in the program.

Why is positive youth development important?

It goes without saying that by valuing youth today, we are molding the leaders of tomorrow and investing in our future. Adolescence is a time of growth physically, cognitively, mentally, emotionally, and socially and is one of the most important developmental periods (Mihić et al., 2022).

Youth will develop no matter the environment they are in; however, employing PYD enables youth to prosper. This paradigm places young people’s needs central to the program in which they are involved.

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“Within the PYD framework, developmental success represents progress towards becoming a fully functioning adult with the abilities and competencies to reach one’s potential while also contributing to the welfare of the community.”

Romer & Hansen, 2021, p. 75-76

Many times, a successful PYD model may include:

• Ensuring physical and psychological safety
• Appropriate structure
• Supportive relationships
• Opportunities to belong
• Positive social norms
• Support for efficacy and mattering
• Opportunities for skill building
• Integration of family, school, and community efforts (Hamilton et al., 2004).

Often you will come across the 7Cs model in much of PYD literature. PYD programs should address these elements in order to ensure quality programming.

The 7Cs consist of (Hamilton et al., 2004; Wallace, 2021):

• Contribution

PYD programs features also typically include (Lindsay et al., 2021):

• Skill building
• Youth engagement and contribution
• Healthy relationships and bonding
• Belonging and membership
• Positive norms, expectations, and perceptions
• A safe space
• Access to age-appropriate and youth-friendly services and integration among services

4-H Program

If leadership skills are something your youth is interested in while addressing the principles of PYD, this program is for them (Allen & Lohman, 2016; Wallace, 2021).

Reaching six million kids and teens, the 4-H program is America’s largest youth development organization. The youth involved with this program complete hands-on projects in areas such as science, health, agriculture and civic engagement.

All 4-H programs include mentoring and career readiness as central elements. Find out more about this amazing opportunity on their website .

Restorative practice

Contrary to exclusionary methods of discipline, restorative practices in schools help to establish a tolerant, respectful, and supportive environment among students and staff (Morgan, 2021).

In an attempt to decrease suspension rates, six elementary and middle schools in Texas implemented a restorative discipline program. They found this approach to be effective, and in-school suspensions reduced by 70% as well as a 77% reduction in out-of-school suspensions (Morgan, 2021).

Dream School Program

The Dream School Program in Norway has shown success in the realm of PYD (Dimitrova & Wiium, 2021; Larsen & Holsen, 2021).

This program is based on peer mentorship where students developed leadership and social skills throughout the school environment, and also expressed experiencing positive feelings while helping other students (Larsen & Holsen, 2021).

This research illustrates the importance of valuing student voice, and using those voices as resources for a positive school climate.

Like adults, religion can serve as an activator for better mental health  and help to create a sense of belonging. Likewise, religion helps to facilitate better youth development (De Guzman & Vajner, 2021).

In fact, research in the U.S. demonstrates a strong connection between individuals who have a strong commitment to religion to civic engagement (Ozalp & Ćufurović, 2021). Not all youth may be interested in an organized religion and this is ok. In this case, adults may want to encourage a feeling of connection in other ways.

Organized sports and sports-based interventions are effective strategies for positive youth development. Sport participation has been shown to impact youth development outcomes positively (Bruner et al., 2021).

Advantages of sports may include psychosocial and mental health benefits and individual growth across physical, cognitive, and social domains.

“Participation in high quality, structured activities outside of school can situate youth in safe environments, prevent youth from participating in delinquent activities, teach youth general and specific skills, beliefs, and behaviors, and provide youth opportunities to develop relationships with peers and mentors.”

Allen & Lohman, 2016, p. 2

Family involvement

Family participation is critical, as family variables are some of the most influential contextual factors in predicting youth development (Orejudo et al., 2022).

Parents are a child’s first teacher and to say that they are influential is an understatement. Involving families in a PYD program strengthens not only the family unit, but the program as well.

Social emotional learning

Explicit social and emotional learning (SEL) is advantageous for everyone, particularly youth, as they may not have been taught or have had the opportunity to practice these skills.

Schools frequently rely on punitive measures such as suspensions, expulsions, and police; however, school counselors , social-emotional learning specialists, and social workers used to address mental health issues would be a more appropriate solution (Prins et al., 2022).

Service learning

Integrating community service with academic learning, service learning is a type of pedagogy that applies a “learning by doing” practice. Youth engagement in service learning showcases their talents and promotes PYD.

Positive outcomes of service learning include fostering students’ intellectual development, personal development, civic development, and other social attitudes (Lin & Shek, 2021).

This yes/no questionnaire examines your organization’s alignment with the mission and promotion of positive experiences, relationships, and environments of PYD.

Access the Assessing Your Organization’s Readiness for Positive Youth Development here .

YouthPower offers a Positive Youth Development Measurement Toolkit. This inventory helps youth-focused programs to evaluate their practices. Access this toolkit for free here .

ACT for Youth provides an engaging twelve-hour curriculum that includes the training manual, activity worksheets, handouts, slides, pre- and post-tests, and a feedback form. Download the curriculum for free from their website .

PYD 101 Online Courses also offered by ACT for Youth is an interactive collection of online courses where you can earn a certificate of completion for your work. Six 30-minute courses are offered and are ideal for new youth work professionals, volunteers, and advocates. Find more information and register for free here .

If you have already taken the PYD 101 course and are hungry for more, you will want to explore the PYD201 course offering. Register for this course here .

Colorado is a state in the U.S. that is at the forefront of PYD and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has created a regional PYD Training System. Training is free and you can register for a specific date here . Lunch is even provided!

The Maine Youth Action Network also offers professional development concerning PYD. Past training descriptions can be viewed here ; however, check back periodically for upcoming PYD training.

The University of Minnesota offers a course based on the work of Eccles and Gootman (2002). Sessions for this program include Supportive Relationships with Caring Adults, Creating Opportunities to Belong, and Developing Positive Social Norms, among others. Enroll in their course here .

17 Tools To Increase Motivation and Goal Achievement

These 17 Motivation & Goal Achievement Exercises [PDF] contain all you need to help others set meaningful goals, increase self-drive, and experience greater accomplishment and life satisfaction.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Created by a team of experts, in collaboration with the world’s top universities, organizations, and researchers, the Positive Psychology Toolkit© contains over 400 exercises, activities, interventions, questionnaires, and assessments and is the world’s largest online positive psychology resource.

Some of the exercises that would be valuable for developing youth is Teaching a growth mindset as well as Internalized motivation in the classroom .

Besides this valuable collection of tools, this free worksheet about Goal Setting for Self-Esteem can be particularly helpful. It encourages students to do self-reflection, and goal setting to improve themselves.

With today’s prevalence of bullying and school violence, it is essential to encourage students to consider other perspectives. This Conflict at School worksheet forces students to look at their emotions, what upsets them, and what it is they need from a situation.

Once they are able to better identify what upsets them and what they need from others, it is a good idea to reverse the exercise. Teach kids to reflect on their own actions, or lack of action, and how this could cause conflict with others.

Additional reading

The following articles are also highly applicable to developing our kids to be the best adults they can be:

• What is Positive Education, and How Can We Apply it?
• A Look at Educational Coaching in the Classroom
• Building Intrinsic Motivation in Students: 29 Classroom Tools
• Applying Positive Psychology in Schools & Education: Your Ultimate Guide

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others reach their goals, this collection contains 17 validated motivation & goals-achievement tools for practitioners. Use them to help others turn their dreams into reality by applying the latest science-based behavioral change techniques.

Adolescence is a difficult enough time. Today’s youth face even more challenges than adolescents experienced ten or twenty years ago. Pair the current difficulties with technology with risk behaviors that have historically challenged youth, such as peer violence, tobacco, alcohol, sexual risk, illicit substance use, and gambling (Mihić et al., 2022), today’s youngsters are up against giants.

This is where PYD comes into play.

Not only can PYD prevent some difficulties many youth face, it addresses basic human needs and can help to mold adolescents into productive members of society. Skills such as resilience, leadership, kindness, conflict resolution, compassion, social and emotional problem-solving, and goal setting are fostered within PYD and help youth transition into adulthood.

So here’s to equipping our youth with the tools they need to not only face the giants, but to thrive in an environment that values their perspective and has their best interest at heart.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Goal Achievement Exercises for free .

• Allen, B. S., & Lohman, B. J. (2016). Positive youth development life skills gained at the Iowa 4-H youth conference. Journal of Youth Development , 11(1), 62-76.
• Bruner, M. W., McLaren, C. D., Sutcliffe, J. T., Gardner, L. A., Lubans, D. R., Smith, J. J., & Vella, S. A. (2021). The effect of sport-based interventions on positive youth development: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology , 1-28.
• Damon, W. (2004). What is positive youth development?. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science , 591(1), 13-24.
• De Guzman, M. C., & Vajner, D. (2021). Religion associated with strong positive youth development In North Carolina county. Journal of Student Research , 10(2).
• Dimitrova, R., & Wiium, N. (Eds.). (2021). Handbook of positive youth development: Advancing research, policy, and practice in global contexts . Cham, Switzerland: Springer.
• Eccles, J., & Gootman, J. A. (Eds.). (2002). Community programs to promote youth development . Committee on community-level pro- grams for youth. Washington: National Academy Press.
• Hamilton, S. F., Hamilton, M. A., & Pittman, K. (2004) Principles for Youth Development. In S.F. Hamilton & M.A. Hamilton (Eds.). (2004). The Youth Development Handbook: Coming of Age in American Communities (pp.3-22). Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc.
• Larsen, T. B., & Holsen, I. (2021). Youth participation in the Dream School Program in Norway: An application of a logic model of the six Cs of positive youth development. In Handbook of Positive Youth Development (pp. 387-398). Springer, Cham.
• Lin, L., & Shek, D. T. (2021). Serving children and adolescents in need during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evaluation of service-learning subjects with and without face-to-face interaction. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 18(4), 2114.
• Lindsay, J. E., McGarry, S., Satmukhambetova, A., Raymond, K., Lesheve, A., Jonson, S., Neeno, H., & Williams, C. (2021). Integrating positive youth development: Insights from international youth development programming. Journal of Youth Development , 16(2-3), 55-73.
• Mihić, J., Skinner, M., Novak, M., Ferić, M., & Kranželić, V. (2022). The importance of family and school protective factors in preventing the risk behaviors of youth. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 19(3), 1630.
• Morgan, H. (2021). Restorative justice and the school-to-prison pipeline: A review of existing literature. Education Sciences , 11(4), 159.
• Nystrom, R. J., Prata, A., & Ramowski, S. K. (2008). Measuring positive youth development: The development of a state benchmark. Journal of Youth Development , 3(1), 26-42.
• Orejudo, S., Balaguer, Á., Osorio, A., de la Rosa, P. A., & Lopez-del Burgo, C. (2022). Activities and relationships with parents as key ecological assets that encourage personal positive youth development. Journal of Community Psychology , 50(2), 896-915.
• Ozalp, M., & Ćufurović, M. (2021). Religion, belonging, and active citizenship: A systematic review of literature on Muslim youth in Australia. Religions , 12(4), 237.
• Prins, S. J., Kajeepeta, S., Hatzenbuehler, M. L., Branas, C. C., Metsch, L. R., & Russell, S. T. (2022). School health predictors of the school-to-prison pipeline: substance use and developmental risk and resilience factors. Journal of Adolescent Health , 70(3), 463-469.
• Romer, D., & Hansen, D. (2021). Positive Youth Development in Education. In The Palgrave Handbook of Positive Education (pp. 75-108). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
• Thorn, K. (2021). Self-Determination Theory, Empathy, and a Global Audience: Understanding the Personal Motivations of Youth as Researchers to Apply to the Program (Doctoral dissertation, The Pennsylvania State University).
• Wallace, R. E. (2021). The theoretical influence of praise given to teen leaders at 4-H camp on their feelings of contribution and motivation. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension , 9(2), 12.
• Yuen, M., Zhang, J., Man, P. K., Mak, J., Chung, Y. B., Lee, Q. A., Chan, A. K., Ado, S. & Chan, R. T. (2022). A strengths-based longitudinal career intervention for junior secondary school students with special educational needs: A mixed-method evaluation. Applied Research in Quality of Life , 1-22.

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• Adolescent education and skills

Adolescents need lifelong learning to build better futures for themselves, their families and their communities.

• Available in:

Adolescents (children aged 10–19) are growing up in a transforming world. Technology, migration, climate change and conflict are reshaping society, forcing people across the globe to adapt to unexpected changes in their lives and work.

To keep up, adolescents  must be able to seize opportunities and confront challenges. They need education and skills to become lifelong learners, to secure productive work, to make informed decisions and to positively engage in their communities.

Yet, over 250 million adolescents were not in school, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2030, it is estimated that another 825 million children will not acquire the basic secondary-level skills – like transferable, digital and job-specific skills – needed to support lifelong learning and employment.

Without access to education opportunities that help develop skills, adolescents face serious challenges thriving in the twenty-first century – with repercussions for generations to come.

What’s more, some 617 million children and adolescents are unable to reach minimum proficiency levels in reading and math – even though two thirds of them are in school. This learning crisis is the greatest global challenge to preparing adolescents for the modern employment market.

Concerted investment and coordination to strengthen education systems is needed so that all adolescents, especially the most marginalized, can acquire skills that help them fulfil their potential.

Skills needed for success in school, life and work

• Foundational skills : Foundational skills, namely literacy and numeracy, are essential for further learning, productive employment and civic engagement.
• Digital skills : Digital literacy enables children and young people to use and understand technology, search for and manage information, create and share content, collaborate, communicate, build knowledge, and solve problems safely, critically and ethically.
• Transferable skills : Also called “life skills,” “twenty-first-century skills,” “soft skills,” or “socio-emotional skills,” these allow young people to become agile learners and global citizens equipped to navigate personal, social, academic and economic challenges. Transferable skills also help young people affected by crisis cope with trauma and build resilience. They include problem-solving, negotiation, managing emotions, empathy and communication.
• Job-specific skills : Also known as “technical" and "vocational" skills, these are associated with occupations and support the transition of older adolescents into the workforce.

UNICEF’s work to address the global learning and skills crisis

Because skills development takes place at different stages in life, UNICEF programming is anchored in a multiple-pathways approach that helps us meet children where they are. We work closely with governments and partners so that every 5-year-old is ready to learn, every 10-year-old is ready to succeed in school, and every 18-year-old is prepared for life and work – aiming to have all children and young people developing the necessary skills at each phase of life.

In both humanitarian and development contexts, we improve the quality and reach of education and training programmes that develop the skills, knowledge and outlooks children and adolescents need to participate meaningfully in society. This includes mainstreaming skills development in school curricula, while identifying and providing alternative pathways for continued education.

Our Reimagine Education initiative is revolutionizing learning and skills development for children and adolescents in an effort to ensure 3.5 billion children and youth in 190 countries access world-class digital learning solutions by 2030.

In schools and in communities, UNICEF:

• Supports skills development opportunities through curricular and extracurricular programmes
• Promotes flexible, alternative and certified learning programmes to prepare adolescents – especially those who have been uprooted by war, violence and poverty – to re-enter school or transition to work
• Supports community-based opportunities for non-formal skills development
• Promotes opportunities within systems and communities to facilitate adolescents’ transition from learning to civic engagement

We also work with governments and communities to help dismantle barriers to learning and skills development for the most marginalized – especially girls; migrant, refugee and displaced adolescents; those living in poverty; and those with disabilities. This includes addressing discriminatory norms and inequity in national education plans and budgets by:

• Supporting gender-equitable and inclusive curricula and teaching practices, including online learning
• Helping tackle financial obstacles through cash transfers and other social protection measures
• Providing safe school environments, with access to nutrition and safe water, sanitation and hygiene, including for menstrual hygiene management

What’s more, UNICEF mobilizes financial resources, political support and technical know-how to innovate skills development programmes. In 2018, we spearheaded Generation Unlimited , a global partnership dedicated to connecting all young people to education, training, employment and entrepreneurship.

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'Learning to earning" for displaced youth - Unlocking the power of digital technologies

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Talent on the Move: Listening to children and young people on the move to unlock their potential

Working across sectors in turkey accelerates learning for all adolescents, preparing adolescents in jordan for productive, engaged, and resilient adulthood, engaged and heard unicef guidelines for adolescent participation and civic engagement  .

The Guidelines are intended to support the design of meaningful and equitable Adolescent Participation and Civic Engagement. They provide information on the ‘why’, ‘what’ and ‘how-to’ of adolescent participation and civic engagement. The Guidelines provide sector-specific guidelines for adolescent participation in Education and Skills Development.  

Adolescent Kit for Expression and Innovation  

This is a package of guidance, tools, activities and supplies to support adolescents ages 10-18 with skills development and psychosocial support, especially those who are affected by humanitarian crises. The Kit aims to bring about positive change in adolescents’ lives through arts and innovation. 

The World Development Report, 2018: LEARNING to Realize Education’s Promise

This report explores how to make schools work for learners, and systems work for learning.

Secondary Education Guidance: Multiple and Flexible Pathways

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Towards an Equal Future: Reimagining Girls’ Education through STEM

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The World Development Report, 2019: The Changing Nature of Work

This report investigates how advances in technology are changing the nature of work, and considers best responses, including investing in human capital, for Governments.

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5 Ways to Build Better Youth Development Programs

Participants of PAJE-Nièta in Mali.

Around the world, tens of thousands of young people face barriers to education and livelihoods, especially those living in low-resource communities that have high unemployment and a history of conflict.

Many of these young people have been able to acquire the tools, knowledge, and skills to build better lives for themselves and their families by participating in youth development programs such as EDC’s Yes Youth Can! North Eastern Region (YYC NER) in Kenya and the Mali Out-of-School Youth project (also known as PAJE-Nièta) . During the past decade, these projects have shown that it is possible to build successful youth development programs even in the most challenging and conflict-affected environments.

So, what can other international development experts learn from these two successes? EDC’s Christopher Ying and Adwoa Atta-Krah draw upon their experiences in Kenya and Mali to offer five tips about building programs that work.

1. Let youth lead

In North East Kenya, where approximately 90 percent of youth are unemployed, YYC NER worked to increase youth participation through the creation of local civic groups, called bunges. Each bunge created its own constitution, developed its own work plan, and had a core leadership team of local youth.

“We connected them with other youth, we gave them new skills and knowledge, and we gave them the opportunity to do something different with their lives,” says Ying.

Youth were also heavily involved in PAJE-Nièta. University-educated youth volunteers worked with local project participants, leading basic education and entrepreneurship courses and assisting youth in launching their own microenterprises.

“These youth volunteers were really the frontline implementing agents of the PAJE-Nièta project,” says Atta-Krah.

2. Include women

Gender equity was built into the design of the Kenya program. At the local, county, and subcounty levels, each bunge had leadership positions reserved for female youth. Bringing women into the bunges helped give them a voice–previously absent—in community decisions.

Recruiting women to participate had the added benefit of broadening the base of people who could continue the work of the bunges after YYC NER had ended.

“Our project staff served as role models,” says Ying. “Most of the YYC NER staff were women. This provided youth with broad examples of how women could participate in and drive the program.”

3. Integrate entrepreneurship and education

For a youth development project to be effective, it has to meet youths’ educational and economic needs—that is basic education and entrepreneurship activities must be integrated. Atta-Krah says she learned this lesson after examining why youth drop-out rates from PAJE-Nièta trainings were so high during the first two years.

“It became evident that basic education training, on its own, wasn’t enough,” she says. “To keep youth motivated, programs should introduce youth to tangible concepts and opportunities for earning a living—entrepreneurship—as soon as possible.”

In response, the project team modified the rollout of training programs to better link basic education and entrepreneurship in the second and third cohorts, and the drop-out rate plummeted. In all, the project trained over 10,000 youth.

4. Stay local

In Mali, an early assessment found that youth would prefer to stay in their villages if they could earn a living there—a finding that influenced the way the PAJE-Nièta program was developed.

Bringing professional technical trainers to the villages allowed better, closer training and monitoring of youth beneficiaries, while it maximized the amount of time the youth spent in their villages.

Atta-Krah also says that the program developed partnerships with existing local businesses—such as local entrepreneurs and microfinance institutions—to further help youth launch their microenterprises.

“In order to ensure buy-in, and in order to ensure that the youth maintained their interest in the project, we made sure all activities went through existing youth associations,” she says.

5. Build peace

Training more than 4,000 Malian youth on conflict resolution produced real, immediate results. According to Atta-Krah, one village chief credited PAJE-Nièta with helping his community confront “old and very deep” internal conflicts. And a U.S. government-funded study also found that the project’s civic and economic activities empowered youth and led to “reduced vulnerability to radical narratives and the lure of extremist recruitment.”

While in Kenya, YYC NER delivered radio programming promoting peace and reconciliation, reaching over 1 million youth. But Ying believes that most of the peace-building was accomplished through the bunges, which fostered democratic ideals and brought together young people from different clans.

“The bunges allowed many young people to have a voice in their community for the first time,” says Ying. “That civic engagement is incredibly powerful for them—and for society.”

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PBL for Pre-K Through Second Grade

Very young students can benefit from project-based learning, as these detailed steps for a project conducted by preschool students demonstrate.

Observation, exploration, and discovery are three main skills that young children (kindergarten to second grade) generally develop when they interact with their surroundings. Some children prefer to take time to observe the environment before moving around to explore, while others choose to immediately start actively discovering the wonders within the environment. Nurturing an environment that ignites curiosity and facilitates exploration, therefore, is paramount.

Early-years educators who work with children 2 to 7 years old play a pivotal role in laying the foundation for lifelong learning by creating spaces where children can freely explore their diverse interests and learn how to expand explorations and inquiries into meaningful in-depth projects. 

In this post, I share a project I developed for a pre-K class with 3-year-olds that offers clear examples of each step and process feature. The project began when a boy became fascinated by the sound that came out of a bottle when he blew into it. He shared his findings with his peers, and the Sounds Exploration project began.  

Creating an Environment for Exploration

The environments where young children interact become learning spaces and serve as educators, generating dialogue between children and/or between each child and the environment, developing processes of inquiry, reflection, observation, and active listening. What should these spaces be like? 

Versatility: Design flexible learning environments that allow spontaneous exploration and discovery in different areas and disciplines. Incorporate adaptable learning materials to accommodate diverse interests and activities. Equip your classroom with a rich variety of resources, including books, art supplies, natural materials, and sensory experiences. Allow children to access natural open spaces that offer enough room for free exploration.  

In the example of the Sounds Exploration project, the teacher offered different materials and contexts for the learners to make and identify sounds, both outside and indoors. In the open air, the teacher helped learners focus on sounds by inviting them to close their eyes and name the sounds they could hear. This takes some time and guidance to help learners to listen beyond the sounds in the foreground and pay attention to those in the background. The learners were then made aware of the sounds they made by walking on different surfaces—like pebbles, grass, and mud—and the sounds they made with sticks or by hitting the water. Outdoors contexts are full of discovery possibilities. 

Indoors, the children used materials such as plastic tops, foil, plastic, cellophane, construction paper, and cardboard to make sounds. Wood blocks, musical instruments, and toys (cars, trucks, dolls, balls, construction blocks) are also an option, as are the different surfaces (floor, carpets, tables) in the classroom. 

In both environments, the children had guidance to help them discover more about the sounds they produced. This connects with the next point.

Curiosity: Encourage a culture of inquiry by posing open-ended questions, stimulating wonder, and inviting children to explore topics of interest. Offer provocations and invitations to learning that spark curiosity and prompt further investigation. 

Collaboration: Facilitate opportunities for children to explore together, interact, learn from one another, and question their findings. 

Interacting with children during exploration periods

The most successful interactions a teacher can carry out in the period of inquiry are those that don’t have a single answer but allow for different responses. The children’s answers will likely be the result of the connections they make with themselves, their previous knowledge, their interaction with their peers, and the context in which they’re interacting.

As a consequence, the teacher has an opportunity to develop and model an attitude of listening and of inquiry into the children’s responses and the construction of their learning. 

For example, related to the Sounds project, the teacher might ask the following questions: 

• “How do you do it? Can you teach me?”
• “This sound... what does it remind you of?” 
• ”What other sounds can we make?”
•  ”What causes sound to be produced?”
•  ”What can we use this sound for?”

Engage in active observation: Observe children closely as they play: as they interact with each other, the decisions they make, and how they choose to communicate their feelings, emotions, thoughts. Pay attention to their interests, preferences, and inquiries.

Listen actively: Listen to the children’s conversations when you ask open-ended questions to stimulate their thinking and foster reflection and critical thinking. Encourage them to communicate their ideas and their thoughts, share observations, and voice their desire to know. 

Let the children express freely: Let them show you their willingness to deepen their knowledge. Follow their interests and curiosity, allowing them to guide the direction of their exploration. Facilitate support and resources based on their inquiries, empowering them to build knowledge and take ownership of their learning journey.

Provide research tools: Offer the children access to age-appropriate tools and materials, including books, digital resources, and hands-on experiences. Support them in navigating these resources independently, fostering self-directed learning skills.

Facilitate tools to document their findings: Provide materials and resources for learners to document their discoveries in various ways: different art forms, notes, oral dialogues, audio/video recordings. 

Transferring exploration into research projects

Children’s active exploration, properly documented, will generate a lot of information and, in turn, will create the possibility of continuing work on a specific project.

In the example of the Sounds Exploration project, the learners were invited to use the sounds they had collected, identified, and documented to make a Sound Story from a well-known story they usually read in class and enjoyed. The guiding question was this: How can the learners in this class turn [the name of the story] into a sound story?

Assist project planning: Guide children in planning and organizing their research project, and deconstruct the process into manageable steps. Help them create research questions, collect information, and develop a short-term plan of action. 

Analyze the data collected: Facilitate understanding of the findings and guide the children to become aware of which subject area they’re willing to learn more about. 

Ignite Intrinsic motivation: Provide steps for the learners to become aware of  what they already know about the specific topic in that subject area and what more they want to know, and guide them in finding where they can collect the information they’re looking for. 

Foster reflection: Promote reflection throughout the research process. Provide opportunities for children to share their findings with peers and reflect on their learning experiences and strategies.

Research projects enable teachers to empower children to make choices and decisions about their learning journey when they have a range of options and opportunities to explore their interests authentically. In addition, research projects foster collaboration and peer learning by encouraging children to work together and share what they’ve learned. 

It’s important to recognize and celebrate children’s achievements and contributions throughout the research process. Create opportunities for them to showcase their work, share their findings with others, and receive feedback and praise .

In essence, by creating an environment that nurtures exploration, supporting children during their inquiries, and empowering them to take on leadership roles in their learning, early years educators can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of curiosity, discovery, and success.

INSPIRATION IS EVERWHERE

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Bringing stem engagement to disadvantaged youth through community-based organizations, stem equity grantees.

FIRST Youth-Serving Organizations

Community-based organizations like the YMCA, Girl Scouts, 4-H, and local nonprofits can expand opportunities for young people who are disadvantaged, introducing them to STEM ideas and engagement activities that are not always available in their homes and schools. The FIRST ® STEM Equity Community Innovation Grant initiative has identified strategies to help any community organization open STEM pathways for students.

Engaging young people in hands-on stem learning.

School-age children spend only about 20 percent of their waking hours in school . Many young people consider community-based organizations a home away from home. These organizations, some local and others within a national network, give young people a safe place to go after school, on weekends, and during summer vacations. They provide students with a chance to grow new skills — from swimming to raising farm animals. Today, these organizations are increasingly incorporating STEM activities and learning into their program offerings.

Community organizations recognize that our modern economy demands a wide set of skills — including STEM knowledge, digital literacy, and strong leadership, problem-solving, and team-building abilities . They know that young people in disenfranchised communities may not have access to opportunities to build these skills in their classrooms. A study by the Afterschool Alliance found that 69 percent of young people were getting some form of STEM education through an after-school program, but for every child engaged in a program, two were waiting to get in.

FIRST LEGO League Jr. participants from Pendleton County 4-H attend an expo.

In their book, Science by Stealth , authors Lucy Friedman and Jane Quinn found that 75 percent of Nobel Prize winners say their passion for science was first sparked in a non-school environment. Youth STEM programs facilitated by community organizations like the YMCA and Girl Scouts can be just as important, or even more so, than schools in inspiring young people to develop a lifelong interest in science and technology. These programs offer opportunities to explore STEM ideas via hands-on, real-world experiences, which build critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and other foundational skills.

Identifying strategies for successful after-school STEM programs

Though community organizations want to provide enriching opportunities, they are often constrained in resources, especially when their primary focus is reaching disadvantaged youth. In 2016, youth-serving nonprofit FIRST ® launched an initiative to address inequities in STEM, the FIRST STEM Equity Community Innovation Grants. Supported by generous sponsors and donors , grants are awarded each year to schools and community-based organizations throughout the United States and Canada that serve young people whose access to STEM education and enrichment might otherwise be limited.

The grants, which range in size from $5,000 to $50,000, enable educators and facilitators to provide students who are disadvantaged – including underserved, underrepresented, and vulnerable populations – with hands-on learning opportunities and outlets for creative problem solving through FIRST programs. K-12 FIRST programs use team-based robotics competitions to create an inclusive experience, where young people can build self-confidence, STEM knowledge, and a thirst for lifelong learning, helping students build a foundation for a brighter future.

A FIRST LEGO League Jr. team from YouthLink STEM Academy in South Carolina attend an expo.

The effect on many of the students, schools, and communities receiving FIRST programs through the grants has been transformative. In Central Maryland, Latina students at the YMCA are competing successfully alongside boys and girls from much wealthier schools. In West Virginia, young people from farming communities are gaining 21 st century skills in technology and problem solving through robotics activities incorporated into their 4-H program. In sparsely populated Wyoming and Montana, Girl Scouts are connecting with like-minded STEM enthusiasts and college scholarship opportunities through robotics competitions.

Beyond anecdotes, the results can be measured in academic and social progress. In evaluations, over 90 percent of coaches indicated gains in almost all STEM and 21 st century skill outcomes for youth participating in FIRST programs through the grant. Nearly all coaches reported that the programs gave students the opportunity to make important team decisions and be team leaders, that students learned to work well together, and that students had a chance to learn about careers in STEM.

Through grant partnerships with the YMCA, Girl Scouts, 4-H, and other organizations, FIRST has identified strategies that can help any youth-serving organization succeed in starting and sustaining successful robotics programs with any funding source. FIRST works with organizations’ staff and volunteers, as well as families, students, and communities, to remove barriers so all students have the opportunity to participate, learn, grow, and thrive. The following strategies can help any youth-serving organization successfully provide quality STEM engagement programs to young people.

Strategy: Remove barriers for students who lack resources

Funding for snacks, after-school travel, and other expenses can allow disadvantaged youth to participate meaningfully.

Organizations in under-resourced communities face special challenges with starting STEM programs. Young people are less likely to be familiar with the subject, and it’s harder to find coaches and mentors with STEM backgrounds to facilitate the programs. Parents may not be available to volunteer if they have restrictive work schedules or lack transportation options. Even small hurdles, like providing snacks to hungry participants, may be difficult due to lack of funds. Yet positive, engaging experiences that promote STEM skills and self-confidence are even more vital to students in communities that face these challenges; a program like FIRST can be their gateway to growing critical skills and a passion for lifelong learning.

YouthLink STEM Academy, a community organization in South Carolina, has a proven track record of overcoming these barriers to provide STEM programming to a predominantly underserved and underrepresented student population in a state where the majority of students fail to meet standards in math or science. “Lack of access to STEM opportunities outside of school leaves students from low-income communities with 6,000 fewer enrichment hours compared to their middle-class peers,” said Joshua Blassingame of YouthLink.

FIRST LEGO League Jr. participants from YouthLink STEM Academy in South Carolina work on their Engineering Notebook.

YouthLink levels the playing field for the young people it serves by bringing the programming to them – establishing new teams at sites that can provide mentors, facilitators, and supportive service providers, including local churches with strong youth programs, schools, and other community sites. One partner, South Carolina 4-H Youth Development, hosted a FIRST ® LEGO ® League Jr. expo during their annual Engineering Challenge event, which gave teams an opportunity to share their Show Me posters and LEGO ® Education WeDo 2.0 models with the community, celebrate, and have fun.

During the 2017-2018 season, YouthLink engaged a diverse group of 762 rural, mostly impoverished students in hands-on STEM activities and educational programming through FIRST . For the 2018-2019 season, the organization plans to expand to 168 FIRST LEGO League Jr. (ages 6-10) teams and 10 new FIRST ® LEGO ® League (ages 9-14) teams — bringing total participation to 1,108 students. In addition, the organization offers summer camps and other off-season activities, all free of cost to qualifying students. YouthLink also works with donors including Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, and Walmart to cover registration fees, food, snacks, transportation, travel, expos, competitions, and team shirts.

Blassingame says the impact has been inspiring. One FIRST LEGO League Jr. participant, Avery, told him, “I can build anything with LEGO and WeDo; just give me a few pieces!” Another young participant, Kamiyah, reported, “I just really liked being able to work with the robots … It was fun, and I want to do this as my job one day!"

Strategy: Connect experienced and rookie teams for peer-to-peer or near-peer mentoring

Creating opportunities for young people to teach each other builds skills, confidence, and relationships among both mentors and mentees.

Successful FIRST partners know that one key to expanding their programs is to build on the expertise of existing teams, mentors, and coaches. It benefits the rookie teams, whose members and coaches are often overwhelmed with first-year challenges, but also the young people from more established teams, who have a chance to reinforce their skills and expertise by sharing them.

Erica Compton of the Idaho STEM Action Center explained that building a formal mentoring program was critical to her organization’s success this year. “After supporting 53 teams in the 2016-2017 season, 66 percent of which were rookie teams, we had concerns that without additional support, many rookie teams would struggle or choose not to participate again. We designed a plan to better connect our returning teams and a few new teams to more seasoned, established teams, supporting virtual and in-person meet-ups throughout the season,” Compton said. “We also engaged college interns who would be majoring in STEM or education to support the teams during the season.”

Soon after teams were formed, they were assigned into regional “learning pods,” which brought together seasoned veteran teams and newer teams. The pods met virtually to get to know each other and to brainstorm strategies and resources for the upcoming season. A team of interns — some with FIRST experience, but all majoring in STEM fields — helped the teams connect and offered additional support.

Idaho STEM Action Center’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team 7301 won a rookie award at the 2018 Idaho Regional.

“Established teams brought a wealth of information to our new teams — the insider knowledge that teams get from years being together,” Compton added. “These teams also made a concentrated effort to meet before the official season kickoff, plus worked to connect at a kickoff event close to them, making invaluable personal connections.” 

That sharing of knowledge paid off. One new FIRST ® Robotics Competition (ages 14-18) team won a rookie award at a local competition event, earning a spot at the international FIRST Championship in Houston. “We know a lot of that is the team and the coach themselves, but they took advantage of the support offered from more experienced local teams too, which we are sure helped,” Compton said.

Strategy: Link students to the larger community

Building strong bonds with FIRST teammates, coaches, mentors, corporate sponsors, and partners can be rewarding — and open doors to jobs, internships, and higher education.

Through FIRST , team members form strong bonds with their teammates, their coaches, their mentors, and often, critically, people outside their immediate circle of acquaintances and frame of reference. FIRST opens doors for young people, connecting them to the larger world.

Lindsey Cosgrove of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York says that linking her organization’s teams to other, similar groups has been one of the three main elements in its success — as important as financial support and training for coaches. “Girl Scouts of Greater New York offers several staff-led STEM programs, and there are many STEM-focused badges that Girl Scouts earn in their troops. However, these programs do not provide opportunities for girls to meet other young people outside of Girl Scouts, who are also interested in STEM,” Cosgrove said. “ FIRST connects students from all different youth organizations and schools across the five boroughs of New York City — from low-income to wealthy neighborhoods. They come together through FIRST events. Furthermore, the act of competing gives girls the opportunity to cheer for each other and show the other competitors that Girl Scouts can be serious about STEM.”

Strategy: Provide training and resources to coaches/facilitators

Providing in-person and online training in fundraising, team safety, building, and coding, among other topics, can give confidence to inexperienced coaches.

New FIRST team coaches sometimes find robotics intimidating, especially if they don’t have a background in coding or engineering. Community organizations, in particular, often rely on volunteers who may not have specific experience in robotics or STEM programs. FIRST provides an abundance of resources, both online and in person, to help new coaches and facilitators get started with everything from fundraising and team safety to building and coding. Plus, there’s a huge community of existing FIRST teams, coaches, mentors, and volunteers who are very eager to share their knowledge, resources, and insight. FIRST can also connect organizations to local FIRST leaders for additional guidance.

Community organizations that serve disadvantaged young people understand that culture shapes our biases and beliefs about people, and it’s important to train new staff and volunteers on equity, diversity, and inclusion. FIRST empowers all new coaches and mentors to create diverse, inclusive, and equitable teams by providing access to the free “ Strategies for Inspiring Success for All ” training module online course from FIRST, which includes specific strategies to support community outreach, student participation, persistence, engagement, and success with FIRST programs.

In addition to the training modules, PAST Foundation, a Columbus, Ohio-based non-profit organization dedicated to STEM education, provided additional resources to coaches via podcasts. The foundation’s Girls Who Lead initiative partnered with Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland and area schools to form 14 FIRST teams for girls and young women.  “The teacher and coaches were very engaged throughout the program and feedback suggested that they feel more prepared for next season,” said Andy Bruening, director of Bridge Programs at PAST Foundation.

Strategy: Engage students in FIRST programs year-round

Community organizations, which operate year-round, are ideally positioned to keep young people engaged by extending programming into the summer months.

Community organizations operate year-round, creating opportunities to extend young people’s FIRST activities beyond the traditional robotics competition schedule by hosting their own culminating robotics events or extending programming into the summer months.

For example, South Carolina’s YouthLink is expanding its FIRST programming to offer out-of-season summer camps, workshops, and boot camps on coding and programming LEGO ® MINDSTORMS ® EV3 robot kits for FIRST LEGO League and LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 robot kits for FIRST LEGO League Jr. at no cost to students and educators. YouthLink also hosted a celebratory expo for students.

Similarly, the Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming expanded their program with supplemental sessions focused on the 2017-2018 FIRST LEGO League season’s water-themed challenge at schools and partner events, including “Engineer that Girl.” In 2018, the organization hosted its first-ever, week-long LEGO summer camp at two council campgrounds in Red Lodge and Butte, Montana. FIRST LEGO League team participants were given preference for scholarship stipends to cover camp costs.  

Making a difference through community-based organizations

Organizations like the YMCA, Girl Scouts, 4-H, or other community-focused institutions can make a genuine difference in young people’s lives in so many ways — not least by inspiring a passion for STEM. These organizations can be valuable partners in reaching underserved, underrepresented, and vulnerable young people who might not otherwise have access to STEM programming.

FIRST LEGO League team "Franklin Mountaineers" displays the Core Values award.

FIRST STEM Equity Community Innovation Grants reached 2,336 students on 308 FIRST teams during the 2017-2018 season. 1,911 of those students were served through community-based organizations, reaching many young people who might otherwise not have had access to STEM learning opportunities: 72 percent of students were economically disadvantaged, 48 percent were female, 36 percent were African American, and 20 percent were Hispanic and Latino/a.

Nearly all coaches in these programs reported significant improvement in STEM learning, interest in STEM careers, problem-solving ability, and leadership and teamwork skills by implementing FIRST programs. Coaches reported that, compared to before the program was implemented, students are more likely to accept input from others, to persevere through difficulties, to accept failure as part of learning, and to ask more questions about a problem.

Impact should continue to grow over the coming years, as team members learn and achieve goals in STEM that extend beyond their FIRST programs. “We have seen incredible growth from girls participating in our robotics program,” said Cosgrove of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York. “They have gained confidence by trying new things, learning new skills, and practicing public speaking. We have also seen that they have grown to see STEM as a part of their identity, which is essential as research has shown that if young people don’t see themselves as ‘STEM people’ at an early age, it is extremely unlikely that they will pursue STEM in college and their careers.”

At FIRST , we are committed to bring our programs to the students who can benefit from them the most. We’re constantly developing new strategies to create greater, more equitable access, and to help every child succeed. For more on our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, visit firstinspires.org/diversity .

FIRST Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion sponsors include Apple, Arconic Foundation, Qualcomm Incorporated, Bosch, Caterpillar, Cisco, Cognizant, The Dow Chemical Company, Fidelity Charitable, GM, GitHub, John Deere, Verizon, and individual donors, among others.

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Simple SK Project Ideas

The Sangguniang Kabataan, or SK, is the voice of Filipino youth, an integral part of local governance. It’s a platform for the young to actively contribute to their communities. In this blog, we’ll explore 25 simple yet impactful sk project ideas that can empower and uplift our local areas. These projects touch on education, health, environment, and more, making a real difference where it counts. Whether you’re a member of the SK, a concerned youth, or an engaged community member, these project ideas offer a blueprint for positive change. Let’s dive in and discover how the youth of today can shape a better tomorrow for all.

Table of Contents

What is Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)?

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) is a youth council in the Philippines, serving as a vital component of local governance. It provides a platform for young Filipinos, typically aged 15 to 30, to engage in community affairs and decision-making. Each SK unit represents a specific barangay or village and focuses on addressing the unique needs and aspirations of the youth within their jurisdiction. SK members actively participate in projects and initiatives aimed at promoting youth empowerment, community development, and social progress.

25 Simple SK Project Ideas

• Youth Skills Training Workshops:  Organize workshops that teach practical skills such as basic computer literacy, coding, and digital marketing to equip the youth with relevant skills for the job market.
• Community Clean-Up Drives:  Collaborate with local volunteers to organize regular clean-up drives in public spaces, parks, and beaches to promote cleanliness and environmental consciousness.
• Youth Health and Wellness Seminars:  Conduct seminars on mental health awareness, stress management, and physical well-being, highlighting the significance of guiding young individuals towards a healthier way of life.
• School Supply Donation Campaign:  Collect and distribute school supplies to underprivileged students to ensure that every child has access to the necessary materials for their education.
• Youth Entrepreneurship Fair:  Host an event that provides young entrepreneurs a platform to show their products and services, fostering a culture of innovation and enterprise among the youth.
• Tree Planting Initiatives:  Organize tree planting activities to promote environmental sustainability and combat deforestation, encouraging the youth to take an active role in preserving the ecosystem.
• Sports Clinics and Tournaments:  Arrange sports clinics and friendly tournaments to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the youth.
• Art and Culture Festivals:  Host art exhibitions, cultural performances, and festivals that celebrate the rich heritage and diverse cultural traditions of the local community, promoting unity and appreciation for cultural diversity.
• Youth Advocacy Programs:  Launch campaigns that raise awareness about pressing social issues such as gender equality, human rights, and climate change, encouraging young individuals to become advocates for positive change.
• Community Library Establishment:  Establish a community library where youth can access educational resources, fostering a love for reading and lifelong learning among the younger generation.
• Job Fairs and Career Counseling:  Organize job fairs and career counseling sessions to guide young adults in their career choices and provide them with opportunities for employment or internship placements.
• Tech Literacy Programs for Elderly:  Conduct technology literacy programs for elderly community members, bridging the generation gap and empowering the youth to contribute to the well-being of the entire community.
• First Aid and Disaster Preparedness Workshops:  Provide training sessions on first aid and disaster preparedness to equip the youth with essential life-saving skills and knowledge during emergencies.
• Youth Volunteer Network:  Establish a youth volunteer network that encourages active participation in community service projects, fostering a spirit of volunteerism and empathy among the youth.
• Anti-Bullying Campaigns in Schools:  Initiate anti-bullying campaigns and workshops in local schools to create a safe and supportive environment for students, promoting kindness and respect among peers.
• Community Garden Projects:  Create community gardens to promote sustainable agriculture and healthy eating habits, encouraging the youth to actively engage in the cultivation of organic produce.
• Digital Literacy Workshops for Senior Citizens:  Conduct workshops to teach senior citizens how they can use digital tools and social media platforms, enabling them to stay connected with their families and the community.
• Youth Music and Performing Arts Workshops:  Offer music and performing arts workshops to nurture the artistic talents of the youth and provide them with a creative outlet for self-expression.
• Financial Literacy Seminars:  Host seminars on financial planning, budgeting, and savings to equip the youth with essential financial management skills, preparing them for a secure and stable future.
• Youth-led Environmental Conservation Projects:  Engage in environmental conservation projects such as beach clean-ups, recycling campaigns, and eco-friendly initiatives, promoting a culture of sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship.
• Healthcare Outreach Programs:  Organize healthcare outreach programs in partnership with local health centers to provide free medical check-ups and basic healthcare services to underprivileged communities.
• Civic Education Workshops:  Conduct civic education workshops to educate the youth about their responsibilities and rights as citizens, encouraging active participation in local governance and community development.
• Youth Mentorship Programs:  Establish mentorship programs that connect experienced professionals with young individuals, providing guidance and support for their personal and professional growth.
• Community Sports Facilities Improvement:  Collaborate with local authorities to improve community sports facilities, ensuring that the youth have access to well-maintained spaces for recreational activities and sports.
• Campaign Against Substance Abuse:  Launch awareness campaigns and seminars addressing the dangers of substance abuse, providing support and guidance for those struggling with addiction and promoting a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.

Sangguniang Kabataan holds the potential to make a significant impact on local communities through thoughtful and purposeful projects that prioritize the needs and interests of the youth. By implementing these 25 SK project ideas, young leaders can contribute to the development and well-being of their communities, fostering a culture of active participation, empathy, and sustainable progress. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to creating positive change, the youth can play a pivotal role in building a brighter and more promising future for their communities.

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• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

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30+ Awesome Career-Readiness Activities That Teach Soft Skills

Students need these skills to succeed in the workplace.

Our vision is to unlock the potential of each learner at every stage of life. At McGraw Hill, we believe that your diverse experiences enrich the way you learn, teach, and grow. See how Career Explorations  introduces students to hundreds of diverse careers and critical soft skills needed to set them on a purposeful path through high school and beyond.

When it’s time for students to start working and/or head to college, they’ll need “soft skills,” otherwise known as career-readiness or job-readiness skills, in addition to academic knowledge and vocational skills.

Soft skills are those characteristics that help you function as an individual (motivation, self-confidence, flexibility) as well as within a group (teamwork, negotiation, respect). These job-readiness skills are key for succeeding in the workplace. After all, if you can’t show up on time, speak up for yourself, or get along with your peers, chances are you’re not going to have a very smooth go of it.

Explicitly teaching students these job-readiness skills is the best way to give them valuable insight into their strengths and weaknesses. We’ve rounded up just over 30 engaging lessons and activities that are not only just right for teaching the job-readiness skills students need, they are also a lot of fun!

1. Use an engaging curriculum for career exploration and readiness

There are so many important things to teach our students before they’re ready to leave high school that it’s daunting to know where to begin. That’s why having strong, trusted resources can make such a difference. McGraw Hill’s Career Explorations program for middle and early high school is an excellent example of such a curriculum. The resources blend occupation and industry content with case studies and real-world, application-based questions and activities to grab students’ attention right from the start. And real-world, industry-specific soft-skills practice questions throughout each chapter expose students to types of challenges they’ll face regardless of what career path they pursue.

Skills they’ll practice:

Collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving

Explore the program: McGraw Hill Career Explorations

2. Listen and recap

There are so many things competing for kids’ attention in today’s overstimulating world, so learning the simple art of listening can be a difficult task. This one-on-one communication activity will help students practice taking the time to clear their minds, focus, and really listen to what their partner is saying in a way that they can clearly and accurately repeat.

Divide students into pairs. Partner one draws a topic card from a prepared deck and talks about that topic, while partner two listens without speaking. The listener must really focus on simply receiving their partner’s words—not letting their mind wander or think about how they are going to respond. Then, without a rebuttal, partner two recaps what partner one said. Then, they switch roles.

Listening, respect, interpersonal skills, communication

Buy it: Letz Talk Conversation Cards at Amazon

3. Make a game of it

Responsibility isn’t something students develop overnight. It takes lots of practice to show self-control when things don’t go our way, to be accountable for our decisions, to finish what we start, and to keep trying even when we want to give up. Try these five super-fun games (below) that teach responsibility.

Responsibility, flexibility, patience

Learn more: 5 Great Games for Teaching Your Students About Responsibility

4. Serve others

Service-learning projects not only get kids involved in their communities, they help them develop many valuable job-readiness skills that will be assets on the job one day. Team students up to organize a book or food drive, recruit bilingual students to provide translation services, or encourage budding artists to collaborate on a community art event.

Teamwork, respect, time management, responsibility

Learn more: 30 Meaningful Service Learning Projects for Kids and Teens

5. Cultivate critical thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to examine a subject and develop an informed opinion about it. It’s about asking questions, then looking closely at the answers to form conclusions that are backed by provable facts, not just “gut feelings” and opinion. And it’s definitely on the top of most employers’ wish lists for new employees. Click the link below for fun and engaging classroom activities that’ll get your students’ gears turning.

Critical thinking, problem-solving, flexibility, self-confidence

Learn more: 5 Critical Thinking Skills Every Kid Needs To Learn and How To Teach Them

6. Human Marble Run

Working together to meet a goal takes patience and focus. This IRL version of Marble Run will help your students learn job-readiness skills like working together, and they’ll have fun doing it!

Give each member of the team a length of gutter or drainpipe. The team has to transfer a tennis ball or golf ball from one place to another by rolling the ball from one piece of gutter to the next. Make it interesting by making the team get the ball to traverse an obstacle course or to go up and down stairs.

Patience, negotiation, teamwork, communication

7. No-hands cup-stacking challenge

This hands-on group challenge is an exercise in learning job-readiness skills like patience and perseverance, not to mention it’s a total blast!

Decide how many students you want in each group, and tie that number of strings to a single rubber band. Each person in the group holds on to one of the strings attached to the rubber band. As a group, they use this device to pick up the cups (by pulling the rubber band apart and then bringing it back together over the cups) and place them on top of one another in order to build a pyramid.

Critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, patience

Learn more: Cup Stack from Ms. Sepp’s Counselor Corner

8. Paper bag skits

You never know what life is going to hand to you. This is true at work, school, and in life in general. Sometimes you’re handed a set of circumstances and have very little time to figure out what to do. This fun activity will help teens practice thinking on their feet.

Fill a few paper bags with four or five assorted classroom or household items. Break the teens into groups, and assign each group a bag without showing them what’s inside. Give them two minutes to examine the items in their bag and come up with a skit, using all of the items, for the rest of the class.

Time management, teamwork, flexibility, presentation skills

9. Nurture self-knowledge

Journaling is a powerful tool for creative expression and reflection, but did you know that it can also be an effective way to improve mental health? Recording your thoughts and feelings can be a cathartic form of stress relief, an opportunity to get to know yourself better, and a way to help you feel more grounded and authentic in your beliefs. Try these free writing prompt cards with your middle and high schoolers to help them get started.

Stress management, self-confidence, motivation

Learn more: Deep Writing Journal Prompts for Teens from Journal Buddies

10. Foster self-motivation

Self-motivation is one of the key indicators of success in the future. Conversely, lack of motivation leads to big problems not only in school but on the job later on. But how do we teach something that comes from inside? Check out the activities below for some great tips like breaking big dreams into smaller pieces, envisioning a bright future, encouraging students to share their stories, and more.

Work ethic, critical thinking, self-confidence

Learn more: How To Instill Intrinsic Motivation from 7Mindsets

11. Hold a poetry slam

Slam poetry is a unique performance art that will not only give your students the opportunity to express their thoughts, but build their confidence as well. Slam poems are specifically written to be performed in front of an audience, and topics are often diverse, political, and thought-provoking. Finding your voice and being able to move people with your words are job-readiness skills that can apply to any future endeavor.

Self-confidence, presentation skills, teamwork

Learn more: What Is Slam Poetry and How Can Teachers Use It With Students?

12. Team survival challenge

What would happen if your class went out on a pleasure cruise only to end up being lost at sea? Who would take charge? What materials would be essential for survival? If you ever saw an episode of the TV series Lost , you know that making these decisions as a group can get ugly fast. This activity is a great lesson in group decision-making, as students will undoubtedly have different ideas about what materials to add to a limited list in a limited amount of time.

Critical thinking, negotiation, communication, teamwork

Learn more: Lost at Sea from Grahame Knox

13. Start a school garden

A school garden is an amazing, hands-on way to help teach students about responsibility. From planning what to grow and organizing the supplies needed to creating a maintenance schedule and actually getting down and dirty in the garden, it’s a project that requires hard work and perseverance.

Responsibility, teamwork, problem-solving, patience

Learn more: How One School Garden Transformed a Neighborhood

14. Time-management challenge

We all have days when our list of tasks is huge, and the amount of time we have to complete them just isn’t. When time is tight and your agenda is packed, you’ve got to prioritize tasks and work efficiently! This activity gives students the opportunity to practice just that by presenting them with a long list of tasks to complete in a limited time frame.

Make a list of tasks on chart paper, assigning a point value for each job. For example: Do 25 jumping jacks (5 points); make up a nickname for each member of the group (5 points); get every person in the class to sign a piece of paper (15 points); form a conga line and conga from one end of the room to the other (5 points; 10 bonus points if anyone joins you); etc. Make sure you list enough tasks to take up more than 10 minutes.

Divide your students into groups of five or six and give them 10 minutes to collect as many points as they can by deciding which tasks to perform. A debriefing session is essential with this game. Guide your students to think about how they made decisions, which group dynamics came into play, and how they determined the value of each task.

Negotiation, critical thinking, communication, time management

15. Vision boards

Unleash your students’ creativity while simultaneously helping them set goals for the future with a vision board. We don’t frequently take the time to express who we are and what we hope for. Setting aside time to contemplate can motivate teens to think deeply about what they really want in life and also fuel their desire to do what’s necessary in order to reach their dreams.

Self-confidence, motivation, critical thinking

Learn more: Why Teachers Should Create Vision Boards With Their Students from Study All Knight

16. Collaborative contract

This exercise for middle schoolers helps them establish values-based ground rules for a team. Each student takes an index card and lists three values that they believe will promote a sense of community. Team members discuss the values, consolidating them into more precise categories. They write the finalized list on a poster board, with each student signing it. Whenever there is a dispute, the team should refer to the “contract,” which holds everyone accountable.

The purpose of this exercise is to create a safe space to explore ideas by focusing on common language and shared expectations. Additionally, this activity prepares middle-school students for the workplace by emphasizing similarities rather than differences.

Negotiation, communication, listening, respect

17. Zombie apocalypse

In this two-day lesson, students are required to identify soft skills, literary guides, and everyday objects that will help them survive a zombie apocalypse. They’ll work both cooperatively and independently and produce short pieces of persuasive writing to argue in favor of their survival.

Teamwork, interpersonal skills (collaboration), problem-solving

Learn more: Zombie Invasion Plan  from Sarah Andrasik

18. Stoke their competitive fire

According to teacher Christine Weis , there’s nothing like a little healthy competition in the classroom. “It motivates students and drives them to put forth their best effort,” she says. “It sparks interest, passion, and ignites a fire within.” Not only can healthy competition build confidence, it can encourage students to learn something new and develop new skills. Try games, puzzles, sports, quiz competitions, team presentations, etc., to motivate your students to reach a higher level.

Motivation, work ethic, problem-solving, self-confidence

Learn more: 7 Motivational Activities for Students from The Homeschool Resource Room

19. The blindfold game

Teens leading one another around in blindfolds? Are we sure this is a good idea? The answer is yes when it’s part of a structured, purposeful job-readiness skills activity like this one!

You’ll need a large space for this activity (maybe the cafeteria after lunch or the gym during an off-period), enough blindfolds for half of the participants, and furniture and other items that you can use as obstacles (cardboard boxes, pillows, chairs, tables). Scatter furniture and objects around the room before the activity begins. Your course should be challenging but safe to navigate.

Pair students and have them line up at one end of the room. One person from each pair should put on the blindfold. The sighted person must guide their partner across the room and give them clear oral instructions (without touching them) to help them avoid the obstacles. When each team reaches the far side of the room, partners can switch roles and repeat the exercise. Have just a few pairs tackle the course at a time so that the others can observe. Take some time between rounds to process what went well, what didn’t, and what could make the challenge easier.

Communication, listening, respect (taking the task and their partner’s safety seriously), flexibility

20. Take a mini crash course

Our teens may almost look like adults, but we have to remember they still have a lot to learn. And sometimes the best way to teach them what they need to know is to just spell it out. This video is a no-nonsense tutorial about some of the job-readiness skills that employers find valuable. Hold a screening, then after the video, have students form breakout groups to talk about what portion of the video they found most helpful and what they need to work on.

Communication, listening, critical thinking

21. Human knot

Nothing promotes job-readiness skills such as cooperation like getting all tangled up with your classmates — literally!

Players stand in a circle and reach out to shake hands with other players, with each hand holding that of a different person, creating a “human knot.” Then the players have to figure out how to untangle their bodies without letting go of each other’s hands. This activity lends itself to a vibrant debriefing session as students observe their communication and cooperation skills.

Teamwork, communication, problem-solving

Learn more: The Human Knot Game from Icebreaker Ideas

22. Mind your mental health

Managing stress in school (and on the job) is a timely subject. With mental health issues on the rise across the country, it’s critical to teach your students strategies that will help them stay grounded and build resilience. After all, it’s hard to do your best in any endeavor when you’re stressed to the max. Try the empowering activities below to teach students how to manage stress so they can succeed in college, on the job, and in the future.

Self-confidence, problem-solving, leadership

Learn more: 22 Empowering Mental Health Activities for Teens

23. Rope Circle Shimmy

Divide teens into two groups. Each group should have a minimum of five members. To begin play, make a big circle out of rope for each team and put it on the floor. Each member of the team stands at the edges of the circle, so the rope is taut around their ankles, while holding their hands in the air.

Team members must take turns moving to work the rope up from ankles to wrists, keeping hands in the air at all times. The team member will have to wiggle and move to slide the rope up. Other team members can help by keeping the rope as taut as possible. The team that finishes the challenge first wins!

Communication, flexibility, interpersonal skills (cooperation)

Learn more: Looped to Rope from Mom Junction

24. Four-card negotiation

Sometimes to get ahead in life, you have to know how to wheel and deal. This is entirely what this lesson is all about. The objective is for teams to trade and barter for pieces of cards to match up with the pieces they already have and ultimately end up with four complete playing cards.

Start with a pile of playing cards (four cards per team of four or five students). Cut each card diagonally into four pieces and mix all of the pieces together. Now divide the mixed-up pieces evenly among the teams. Give teams a couple of minutes to sort out their card pieces and figure out which pieces they have and which pieces are missing. Set a timer for 10 minutes. The goal of the game is for the students to use their negotiation skills with the other teams in order to gain as many complete cards as possible for their team. At the end of 10 minutes, the team with the most cards wins.

Negotiation, communication, interpersonal skills

25. Pair up with younger kids

Nothing helps teens build responsibility like pairing up with a younger buddy. Being the more mature, more experienced partner in the relationship gives teens the opportunity to share what they know and learn to be a leader. Have your students plan fun activities and special events with their buddies.

Responsibility, leadership, problem-solving, listening, patience

Learn more: 20 Activities for Big Buddy/Little Buddy Time from Create, Dream, Explore

26. Blind spelling practice

Weaving soft-skills activities into everyday curriculum is a win for everyone. Enhance your students’ interpersonal skills with this fun spelling activity. Tape letters to each student’s back. Then call out a definition of a word. Students will need to work together to assemble in the right order to spell the word correctly.

Communication, listening, negotiation, problem-solving

Learn more:  Manuel Antonio Noronha

27. Practice small talk

Teenagers aren’t exactly known for their chitchat skills. In fact, for many it is one of the most awkward situations they can imagine being put in. But small talk is considered a foundational job-readiness skill that is important for almost every job, as well as learning to network. Many teens feel awkward speaking with people they’re not used to speaking to and need practice, especially with adults. Try some free conversation starters that will help them practice the “three P’s” of small talk: being polite, positive, and professional.

Communication, listening, self-confidence, patience, respect

Learn more: Conversation Starters on the Job from Realityworks

28. Blind drawing

Try this hilarious activity with your teens. It’s kind of like “telephone” but instead of listening, each person must pay close attention to what is being drawn on their back. Each student in the line gets a blank sheet of paper taped to their back and a marker. The student at the end begins by slowly drawing an image on the person’s paper in front of them. When that person feels what’s being drawn, they try to re-create what they’re feeling on the person of front of them. When the image is complete, have the students take off their papers and compare the results. This activity is a colorful reminder that people often perceive things very differently, so communication is extremely important!

Communication, teamwork, patience

29. Mock interviews

The prospect of going on a job interview can be terrifying to a kid who’s never had a job before. Practicing job-readiness skills like interviewing can help them reduce the fear factor and build their confidence. Pair students up and assign one teen the role of interviewer and one the role of interviewee. Use a set of job interview questions to practice with.

Give each pair 15 minutes, then have them talk about how the interview went. The interviewer may have some valuable insight for the interviewee. Then have the partners switch roles and repeat. After they’ve had practice with their peers, invite a few adults into the room to conduct mock interviews.

Interview skills, critical thinking, self-confidence

Learn more: Job Interview Questions for Teens from Understood for All

30. Group storytelling

Create small groups of three to eight students. The first person makes up the first line of a story and says it out loud. The second person says, “Yes, and …,” continuing the story. Play continues around the group until everyone has contributed or until the story has come to a satisfactory ending. Since students don’t know what’s coming, they have to learn how to listen carefully and react and communicate well on the fly. As an alternative, to have students listen even more carefully, have them continue the story with the phrase, “because …”

Communication, listening, critical thinking, presentation

31. Team pen

Sometimes it takes the whole team to produce results. This fun game involves a marker with four to six strings tied to it and a blank piece of paper. The teacher calls out a word and the team has to work together to legibly print the word on the paper. Students will have to think carefully and cooperate with one another to maneuver the pen correctly to write the word.

Communication, teamwork, patience, critical thinking

Be sure to visit McGraw Hill’s Career Explorations page for more information about their career and technical education resources for middle and high school.

Also, check out these “would you rather” questions to get teens thinking about their future careers..

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United States Institute of Peace

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What Works in Youth Projects? Lessons for the Youth, Peace, and Security Field

Monday, October 5, 2020

/ READ TIME: 3 minutes

By: Rebecca Ebenezer-Abiola ;   Jeremy Moore

Until the adoption of U.N. Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250 in 2015, the international community had no comprehensive framework with which to address the specific needs and opportunities of a key demographic group—young people. This report presents the findings of a meta-review assessing fifty-one youth projects supported or implemented by USIP between 2011 and 2018 and offers recommendations for continuing to develop and support peacebuilding activities with effective engagement, cooperation, and flexibility among civil society organizations and funders.

• In 2015, U.N. Security Council Resolution 2250 outlined a new youth, peace, and security agenda around five action areas: participation, protection, prevention, partnership, and disengagement and reintegration.
• Against the backdrop of this agenda, USIP commissioned a meta-review of youth projects it funded or implemented between 2011 and 2018 to identify factors likely to encourage or hinder project success.
• Project success was found to depend above all on high levels of capacity and expertise of the local implementer, meaningful inclusion of youth participants, and the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders, particularly non-youth community leaders.
• Selection bias, lack of facilitation skills, and insecurity or political instability were identified as the factors most likely to hinder project success.
• To succeed in operationalizing the youth, peace, and security agenda, youth-serving CSOs should create the conditions necessary for youth to design, implement, and monitor their own projects.
• Funders also need to support co-creation and joint decision making, as well as strive to better understand the insecurity and instability of the local contexts in which youth-led projects are implemented.

About the Report

In 2018–19, the United States Institute of Peace commissioned the Agency for Peacebuilding—a nonprofit organization that specializes in designing and conducting research on conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding—to conduct a meta-review of fifty-one USIP youth projects that were funded and implemented between 2011 and 2018. This report summarizes the evaluation and offers recommendations for the broader youth and peacebuilding field along five key action areas.

200+ SK Project Ideas for Youth-Led Change: Empowering Communities

Sangguniang Kabataan, or SK, is a vital platform for the youth to make a difference in their local communities. It is a Filipino youth council that serves as a training ground for future leaders and as a medium for young people to engage in local governance. Through a wide range of SK project ideas, these young leaders can create a lasting impact in their communities, addressing various challenges faced by their peers. 

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of SK projects, exploring their importance and providing a plethora of creative ideas for projects that can benefit not only the youth but the community at large.

Understanding Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)

Table of Contents

Before we jump into SK project ideas, it’s essential to understand what the SK is and the role it plays in local governance.

Sangguniang Kabataan, often abbreviated as SK, is a youth council in the Philippines. It is a significant component of the Local Government Unit (LGU) and operates at the barangay (village or neighborhood) level. 

SK serves as a platform for young leaders, aged 15 to 30, to engage in community and local governance, develop their leadership skills, and represent the interests of their fellow youth.

The SK council is composed of elected SK officials, including a chairperson, a secretary, a treasurer, and seven council members. These youth leaders serve a three-year term, during which they have the opportunity to plan, develop, and implement various projects aimed at improving the lives of the youth and the overall welfare of the community.

Why There is the Need for SK Projects?

The Philippines, like many other countries, faces a myriad of challenges affecting its youth population. These challenges range from educational issues and health concerns to environmental problems and the need for community-building initiatives. This is where SK project ideas come into play.

SK projects are not just about youth empowerment; they are also about addressing the needs of the community. These projects serve as a bridge between the young leaders and the issues their communities face. 

By identifying and addressing these challenges through well-planned projects, SK members contribute to the betterment of their communities and gain valuable leadership and management experience.

Benefits of SK projects extend beyond tangible outcomes; they help shape young leaders, instilling in them a sense of civic responsibility and community engagement. 

These projects foster teamwork, organization, and decision-making skills that will serve these youth well as they grow and take on leadership roles in the future.

200+ Creative SK Project Ideas

Now, let’s explore 200+ creative SK project ideas that can inspire young leaders and make a positive impact in their communities.

50+ Education and Youth Development SK Project Ideas

• Scholarships for Underprivileged Students
• Digital Literacy Workshops
• Mentorship Programs for Youth
• Career Guidance and Counseling
• Financial Literacy Workshops
• Coding and Programming Classes
• English Language Improvement Classes
• Science and Technology Camps
• Creative Writing Workshops
• Art and Craft Classes
• Debate and Public Speaking Clubs
• Leadership Training Seminars
• Youth Empowerment Workshops
• Study Groups and Peer Tutoring
• Workshops on Critical Thinking
• Entrepreneurship Bootcamps
• Environmental Education Initiatives
• Youth Debate Competitions
• Music and Dance Workshops
• Sports Training and Competitions
• Summer Camps for Skill Development
• Career Fairs and Job Placement
• Robotics and STEM Programs
• Public Library Initiatives
• Scholarly Research Competitions
• Volunteer and Community Service Projects
• Awareness Campaigns on Educational Rights
• Learning Apps for Mobile Devices
• Workshops on Time Management
• Mindfulness and Stress Management Classes
• Inclusive Education Programs
• Extracurricular Clubs for Diverse Interests
• Sustainable Agriculture Training
• First Aid and Safety Training
• Internship Opportunities for Youth
• Cultural Exchange and Diversity Workshops
• History and Heritage Preservation Projects
• Financial Aid and Sponsorship Programs
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation Training
• Accessible Libraries for Persons with Disabilities
• Youth-Led Educational Events
• Health and Nutrition Education
• Debate on Contemporary Issues
• Public Speaking Competitions
• Peer Mentorship for School Success
• Scholarly Publications by Youth
• Coding and Gaming Clubs
• Language and Literacy Improvement Programs
• Creative Entrepreneurship Workshops
• Workshops on Study Skills and Exam Preparation

50+ Health and Well-being SK Project Ideas

• Youth mental health awareness campaigns
• Fitness and wellness workshops
• Nutrition education programs
• Stress management seminars
• Sports tournaments and leagues
• Healthy cooking classes
• Substance abuse prevention initiatives
• First aid and CPR training for youth
• Yoga and meditation sessions
• Sexual health and reproductive education
• Anti-bullying and anti-violence campaigns
• Self-care and self-esteem workshops
• Peer counseling services
• Substance-free social events for youth
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
• Physical fitness challenges
• Healthy living challenges (e.g., no sugar month)
• Health screening and check-up drives
• Outdoor adventure and hiking clubs
• Mental health support groups
• Anti-smoking and anti-vaping campaigns
• Physical activity challenges (e.g., 10,000 steps a day)
• Substance abuse rehabilitation support
• Healthy habits and routines for youth
• Yoga in schools programs
• LGBTQ+ health and wellness support
• Stress-relief art and creative workshops
• Bicycle safety and cycling events
• Sleep hygiene and better sleep seminars
• Community gardens for fresh produce
• Parent-child health and fitness activities
• Hydration awareness and water challenges
• Youth-led health research projects
• Child and youth nutrition programs
• Wilderness and survival skills workshops
• Mental health apps and online resources
• Body positivity and self-acceptance campaigns
• Dental health check-up and hygiene education
• Youth-led walking and running clubs
• Zumba and dance fitness classes
• Anti-cyberbullying and online safety seminars
• Public health awareness campaigns
• Healthy screen time and digital detox challenges
• Gardening therapy for youth
• Music and art therapy programs
• Adventure therapy for at-risk youth
• Youth volunteer opportunities in healthcare
• Environmental factors and health seminars
• Healthy relationships and communication workshops
• Disaster preparedness and safety training for youth.

50+ Environmental Sustainability SK Project Ideas

• Community-wide recycling program
• Tree planting and reforestation
• Sustainable agriculture initiatives
• Eco-friendly waste management
• Beach cleanup and marine conservation
• Energy conservation campaigns
• Water resource management
• Sustainable transportation options
• Green building projects
• Environmental education in schools
• Biodiversity protection efforts
• E-waste recycling drives
• Zero-waste living workshops
• Sustainable urban gardening
• Promoting composting practices
• Wildlife habitat restoration
• Air quality monitoring initiatives
• Plastic-free initiatives
• Solar energy projects
• Clean and green energy sources
• Rainwater harvesting systems
• Sustainable fashion shows
• Environmental art and murals
• Community herb and vegetable gardens
• Wildlife conservation awareness
• Green tech and innovation fairs
• Bicycle-sharing programs
• Clean energy for street lighting
• Waterway cleanup projects
• Environmental documentaries and film screenings
• Sustainable food markets and fairs
• Green community festivals
• Earth-friendly home design workshops
• River and lake cleanup efforts
• Wetland conservation projects
• Sustainable forestry initiatives
• Eco-friendly product swaps
• Pollution prevention campaigns
• Green business certification programs
• Local environmental legislation advocacy
• Climate change awareness campaigns
• Birdwatching and bird conservation
• Promoting eco-tourism in the community
• Renewable energy workshops
• Organic farming cooperatives
• Sustainable fishing practices
• Green infrastructure projects
• Permaculture gardening initiatives
• Green roof and vertical garden projects
• Wilderness and nature preservation programs

50+ Community Building SK Project Ideas

• Neighborhood clean-up and beautification
• Youth-led cultural festivals
• Community garden initiatives
• Senior citizen support programs
• Local history preservation projects
• Community sports leagues and events
• Public art installations
• Youth mentorship programs
• Environmental awareness campaigns
• Neighborhood watch and safety initiatives
• Community library or book exchange
• Community theater productions
• Youth-led storytelling workshops
• Sustainable energy and eco-friendly projects
• Disaster preparedness and relief programs
• Community-wide health fairs
• Skill-sharing workshops for all ages
• Youth talent showcases
• Youth entrepreneurship initiatives
• Community-wide food drives
• Arts and crafts workshops for children
• Local artist-in-residence programs
• Youth-led dance or music performances
• Community history museum exhibitions
• Sustainable transportation projects
• Digital literacy and technology workshops
• Community park renovation projects
• Inter-generational events and programs
• Community yoga or fitness classes
• Local food and farmers’ markets
• Storytelling or oral history collections
• Community mural painting projects
• Neighborhood newsletters or blogs
• Youth photography or film festivals
• Community choir or music groups
• Civic engagement and voter registration
• Urban gardening and green spaces
• Youth-led cooking classes
• Community-based art workshops
• Cultural exchange programs
• Community safety app development
• Community poetry readings
• Gardening and horticulture clubs
• Youth-led theater productions
• Neighborhood art galleries
• Community historical reenactments
• Youth-led coding and tech projects
• Community-wide sports tournaments
• Intergenerational storytelling events
• Collaborative public art projects

Planning and Implementing SK Projects

The success of SK projects depends on effective planning and implementation. Here’s how SK members can navigate this process:

A. Project Proposal and Approval Process

• Identify community needs and conduct research.
• Formulate a project proposal outlining objectives, budget, and expected outcomes.
• Present the proposal to the SK council and seek approval.
• Collaborate with local government officials for support and resources.

B. Budgeting and Fundraising

• Create a detailed budget for the project.
• Explore various fundraising opportunities, such as sponsorships, grants, and community events.
• Monitor expenses to ensure the project stays within budget.

C. Mobilizing Volunteers and Resources

• Recruit and train volunteers for specific project tasks.
• Seek partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and experts in relevant fields.
• Allocate resources efficiently to ensure project success.

D. Execution and Project Evaluation

• Implement the project according to the plan.
• Continuously monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
• Evaluate the project’s impact on the community and the youth involved.
• Collect feedback from participants and community members to improve future projects.

Success Stories: SK Project Ideas

SK projects have made a significant impact on communities across the Philippines. Let’s take a look at a few success stories:

1. Scholarships for Underprivileged Students: An SK council in a small barangay initiated a scholarship program, helping economically disadvantaged students pursue higher education. This project not only encouraged academic excellence but also reduced the dropout rate in the community.

2. Environmental Conservation: Another SK council organized a series of tree-planting activities and implemented a recycling program, leading to a noticeable improvement in the local environment. The initiative also raised awareness about the importance of conservation among the youth.

3. Mental Health Awareness: In response to the growing concern about mental health, an SK council organized seminars and workshops on mental health and wellness. This project helped reduce stigma and provided crucial information to those struggling with mental health issues.

Challenges and Solutions

While SK project ideas have the potential to bring about positive change, they are not without their challenges. Some common challenges include:

• Limited Resources: 

SK councils often have limited funds and resources to execute projects. To overcome this, they can seek sponsorships, grants, and partnerships with local businesses.

• Lack of Participation: 

Engaging the youth and the community can be challenging. To address this, councils can use social media, host community meetings, and actively involve community members in project planning.

• Bureaucratic Hurdles: 

Dealing with bureaucratic procedures and approvals can be time-consuming. SK members can streamline the approval process by building strong relationships with local government officials and demonstrating the impact of their projects.

Sangguniang Kabataan, with its focus on youth leadership and community engagement, plays a pivotal role in the Philippines’ local governance . Through creative and impactful SK projects, young leaders are making a difference in their communities, addressing various challenges, and shaping a better future for themselves and those around them.

SK project ideas are more than just community service; they are opportunities for young individuals to develop essential life skills and take an active role in shaping their communities. They are a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives and the positive change they can bring.

By supporting SK projects, whether as a participant or a community member, you contribute to a stronger, more vibrant, and more empowered Philippines. Together, we can build a better future for the youth and the entire community.

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9 youth-led innovations that are protecting the planet

Young people are at the forefront of the fight against climate change. The Youth Climate Action Challenge called for their innovative solutions to protect the planet. Image:  Unsplash/Li-An Lim

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Stay up to date:.

• Addressing the climate crisis calls for innovation and collective action from young leaders.
• Therefore, Global Shapers were asked to develop a Challenge that would support young innovators to scale their solutions to the climate crisis.
• Nine young climate innovators were chosen to receive support to scale their impact.

Around the world, youth prepare to gather at Stockholm+50, focusing on nature and resilience, in the lead up to COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. In preparation for these global summits, it is critical that young people have a shared language and mission, and for their collective action and innovation to be supported and accelerated.

With this context in mind, members of the Global Shapers Community (GSC) and The Climate Reality Project (CRP) designed a Challenge to source and champion young leaders from around the world working to drive local climate action and raise climate ambition. This is how the Youth Climate Action Challenge was born.

The Challenge, hosted on the World Economic Forum’s Innovation Platform UpLink , received 108 submissions that were carefully assessed by a community of experts to select nine UpLink Featured Innovators.

Over the coming months, the nine Featured Innovators will have the opportunity to learn from each other and scale their impact through 1-on-1 mentoring with The Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGLs), the GSC, and the CRP Climate Leaders. Featured Innovators will be supported by the Forum and the CRP through promotion of their work and introductions to established ecopreneurs.

Here are the Featured Innovators who are enabling climate action around the world through creativity, optimism, social justice, and hard work:

• BluPower (India) is a Micro Hydro solution providing reliable and resilient hydropower that is compact and easy to install in rivers and canal sites currently unfit for electrification. Their mission is to produce 8000 GW of energy annually by 2030 to impact 20 million lives in grid deficient communities globally.
• Chloride Free Foundation (Brazil) is an international non-profit organization that addresses carbon sequestration in soil and is looking to expand beyond Brazil and the US. The Foundation aims to create a prosperous and equitable future for all people and the environment through raising awareness about the importance of soil biodiversity and promoting sustainable, chloride-free agriculture practices among farmers.
• Eco Smart Farming (Eco Warriors) (Ghana) is a digital Farming solution that offers climate-smart agricultural practices to farmers in local languages. This scalable tech-based solution targets farmers in the Fodoa community who are losing their rice crops due to climate change and need to learn new climate-smart methods of rice farming.
• HamsaRecycling (Azerbijan) is a social start-up that uses textile and plastic waste to create shoes and clothing. They aim to create products designed specifically for people with disabilities from recycled materials. As people with disabilities have been underrepresented in the fashion industry, HamsaRecycling is contributing to sustainability and inclusiveness.
• MAA’VA™ (United States of America) is developing a proprietary sustainable carbon sequestering construction material, turning plastic and non-plastic waste into eco-concrete that can be used for conventional and 3D-printing construction. By optimizing 3D-printing technology, MAA’VA can build environmentally friendly low-cost housing with eco-concrete in one day for 1/10th of the construction cost and half of the construction waste.
• Mudatuga (Portugal) is a start-up creating domestic and community compost solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent the disposal of organic waste in landfills. Its leading product is Compostuga, an eco-friendly Bokashi bin made with cork residues that allows consumers to compost anything at home. Mudatuga addresses Portugal’s growing urban waste problem while aiming to become a catalyst of circular waste management in the Iberian Peninsula.
• Nossa Horta (Brazil) is a grassroots movement in Rio de Janeiro city promoting urban agriculture through community gardens primarily in low-income neighbourhoods. Each garden fits the needs of the local community and teaches adults and children about climate change, medicinal plants, unconventional foods.
• Subjee-Cooler (India) is a portable zero-energy cooling chamber that keeps vegetables fresh for five days without energy input. The Subjee-Cooler has been instrumental in improving farmers' income and decreasing food waste throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Tree Square (Philippines) is a scalable model for urban reforestation supported by the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The project combats climate change one square meter at a time through collective and individual action to re-green cities. Tree Square’s goal is to achieve 10,000 square meters of urban tree coverage across 100 cities in the Philippines, with the potential to scale to other countries in Southeast Asia.

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100+ Incredible SK Project Ideas & Activities For Youth-Led Change

• Post author By Pooja Barman
• October 26, 2023

Sangguniang Kabataan, commonly referred to as SK, is a vital platform for youth engagement and participation in local governance in the Philippines. SK project ideas and activities serve as catalysts for youth-led change, empowering communities and fostering growth at the grassroots level.

In this blog, we will explore the definition of SK, the steps to find and choose the best Sangguniang Kabataan projects and activities, and the importance of youth participation in formal political processes.

You May Also Like To Read: Exploring Middle Eastern Humanities Research Paper Topics 2024

Table of Contents

What is Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)

Sangguniang Kabataan, often abbreviated as SK, is a youth council in the Philippines. It is a vital component of the local government structure, representing the youth sector at the barangay level. The SK is composed of elected youth leaders aged 15 to 30 who serve as the voice of the youth in local governance.

Steps to Find and Choose the Best Sangguniang Kabataan Projects and Activities

Following are the Steps to Find and Choose the Best Sangguniang Kabataan Projects and Activities.

1. Identifying Community Needs

The first step in finding and choosing the best SK projects and activities is to identify the specific needs of your community. Conduct surveys, hold consultations, and engage with community members to understand their concerns, aspirations, and challenges.

2. Prioritizing Youth-Related Issues

Given that SK represents the youth sector, it is crucial to prioritize issues that directly impact young people. These may include education, sports and recreation, employment, health, and environmental sustainability.

3. Brainstorming and Project Proposal

Once the community’s needs are identified, it’s time to brainstorm potential projects and activities. Encourage youth involvement in this process to ensure that their voices are heard. Develop detailed project proposals that outline the objectives, budget, timeline, and expected outcomes.

4. Consultation and Collaboration

Collaboration is essential in SK projects. Consult with local government officials, NGOs, and other stakeholders who can provide resources and support. Building partnerships enhances the effectiveness of your initiatives.

5. Budgeting and Funding

Secure the necessary funding for your projects. This can come from the SK’s budget, grants, donations, or fundraising activities. Ensure transparency and accountability in financial matters.

6. Implementation and Evaluation

Execute your projects according to your plan. Regularly monitor and evaluate their progress. Make necessary adjustments to ensure their success.

100+ Incredible SK Project Ideas & Activities For Youth-Led Change

Following are the most creative and interesting SK project ideas for students.

Creative SK Project Ideas For High School Students and Youth Development

• Youth-Led Tutoring Services
• STEM Workshops
• Library Revitalization
• Youth Entrepreneurship Programs
• Student Exchange Programs
• Coding and Robotics Clubs
• Scholarship Opportunities
• Youth-Run Language Classes
• Youth Empowerment Workshops
• Mentorship Programs
• Youth Leadership Training
• Environmental Education Initiatives
• Career Development Workshops
• Creative Writing Workshops
• Youth-Driven Cultural Festivals
• Youth Sports Leagues
• Tech Education Programs
• Youth Debates and Public Speaking Training
• Financial Literacy Workshops
• Gender Equality and Women’s Rights Workshops

Best SK Project Ideas For Community Improvement

• Clean-Up Campaigns
• Recycling Programs
• Community Gardens
• Green Energy Initiatives
• Art Installations
• Community Policing Initiatives
• Local Heritage Preservation
• Safe Play Areas
• Public Transportation Improvements
• Bike and Pedestrian Lanes
• Community Health Clinics
• Community Farming Initiatives
• Community Safety Apps
• Urban Art Projects
• Community Technology Centers
• Cooking and Nutrition Classes
• Substance Abuse Awareness Campaigns
• Community Science and Innovation Fairs
• Local Cultural Heritage Preservation
• Community Arts and Crafts Workshops

Health and Well-Being SK Project Ideas

• Health Clinics
• Nutrition Education
• Mental Health Support
• Fitness Initiatives
• Emergency Response Teams
• Anti-Bullying Campaigns
• First Aid Training
• Support for Elderly
• Pet Adoption Drives
• Youth-Run Disaster Preparedness Workshops
• Community Safety Patrols
• Street and Public Space Cleanup Initiatives
• Local Cultural Food Festivals
• Public Health Campaigns
• Youth-Run Fitness Classes
• Dental and Medical Check-Up Programs
• Mental Health Awareness Campaigns
• Environmental Cleanup Crews
• Art Installations for Well-Being
• Public Health Seminars

Good SK Project Ideas For Cultural and Arts Promotion

• Local Art Exhibitions
• Cultural Festivals
• Public Art Installations
• Community Theaters
• Heritage Museums
• Language Classes
• Film Festivals
• Cultural Food Festivals
• Community Radio Stations
• Local History Tours
• Art Galleries
• Community Cinema Nights
• Street Art Projects
• Cultural Heritage Celebrations
• Storytelling Workshops
• Youth-Run Music Festivals
• Indigenous Cultural Initiatives
• Theater Performances
• Historical Reenactments
• Community Choirs and Music Groups

Economic Development SK Project Ideas For College Students

• Support for Local Businesses
• Job Fairs and Training Programs
• Sustainable Transportation
• Support for Local Farmers
• Economic Surveys and Data Collection
• Job Training Centers
• Promotion of Indigenous Agriculture
• Farmers’ Markets
• Public Art Installations and Murals
• Community Policing Youth Dialogues
• Community Leadership Training
• Community Education Centers
• Youth-Organized Film Festivals
• Cybersecurity Awareness Initiatives
• Gardening and Farming Co-ops
• Cultural Preservation Projects
• Community Economic Surveys and Data Collection

Other Most Exciting SK Project Ideas 2024

Following are the more useful SK project ideas for students.

• AI-powered ski instructor
• Virtual ski resort
• Smart ski helmet
• Self-driving snowplow
• Sustainable ski resort
• AI-powered ski race analysis
• Interactive ski trail map
• Gamified ski lessons
• Social media platform for skiers and snowboarders
• Online ski shop with personalized recommendations
• Ski rental service that delivers skis to your hotel
• Ski resort reservation system that compares prices and availability
• Ski resort booking app that lets you reserve lift tickets, lessons, and rentals in one place
• Ski resort food delivery app
• Ski resort transportation app

Importance of Youth Participation in Formal Political Processes

Following are the importance of youth participation in the formal political process.

1. Youth as Catalysts for Change

Youth participation in formal political processes is essential for several reasons. Firstly, young people bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and energy to the political arena. They can serve as catalysts for positive change and progress.

2. Strengthening Democracy

Youth involvement enhances the democratic process. It promotes inclusivity and diversity in decision-making, ensuring that the government represents the voices and interests of all age groups.

3. Building a Brighter Future

When young people engage in politics, they have the opportunity to shape policies and initiatives that directly impact their future. This includes educational reforms, job opportunities, and environmental sustainability measures.

4. Encouraging Civic Responsibility

Youth participation in politics encourages civic responsibility and a sense of belonging to the community. It fosters a culture of active citizenship, where individuals take ownership of their society’s development.

5. Empowering Communities

Ultimately, youth participation in formal political processes, such as the SK, empowers communities to take control of their destinies. It provides a platform for young leaders to make a difference, contributing to the betterment of society.

Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) is a powerful platform for youth-led change, offering countless opportunities for young people to empower their communities. By understanding the role of SK, following the steps to find and choose the best projects and activities, and recognizing the importance of youth participation in formal political processes, the youth of the Philippines can be at the forefront of positive transformation and community development. Through their dedication and innovation, they can create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

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Youth Projects

We offer a range of high-quality youth projects across the Network, enhancing the Youth Zone’s local activities and ensuring young people have the skills and support they need to succeed.

OUR OVERRIDING GOAL...

…is to ensure that every young person, regardless of their circumstance or background, has the opportunities and support to achieve their potential..

of members feel less isolated

of participants have found work or gone into education or training as a result of our Get a Job course

thought they were better at bouncing back from setbacks

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Funding provided by the Prudence Trust has enabled Inspire, Chorley Youth Zone’s to run a creative arts programme which uses art as an outlet and a way of supporting mental health.

Stronger Sisters

The Stronger Sisters programme inspires young women aged 13 to 19, particularly those from ethnic minorities, and supports them to build confidence and resilience.

Wellbeing worker

Funding provided by the Prudence Trust has enabled Blackburn, Croydon, Oldham and Wigan Youth Zone to run the Wellbeing Worker programme.

Culture of health

The Culture of Health project aims to achieve a consistent, high quality approach to delivering health outcomes across all Youth Zones, with health underpinning all our activities.

The Get a Job Programme

Get A Job is an employability support programme that aims to help young people aged 16-19 years old get the skills and confidence to either secure employment or move into education or training.

Active Youth

Active Youth helps inactive young people become active again through a series of fun and engaging physical activities delivered in small groups with peer young leaders.

UFC – OnSide Youth Mentoring Project

Young people aged 12-16 will be able to join the UFC – OnSide Youth Mentoring Programme, which will comprise of weekly classes over a 6-8 week period initially.

Inspiring Futures

The Inspiring Futures programme embeds an understanding of the link between education and employment. Young people gain a full understanding of available career options, through exploring a wide variety of career opportunities, experiencing the world of work and participating in enterprise activities.

Youth Voice

Youth Voice will support young people to become active citizens, to be heard and valued within society at a local and national level, and to achieve positive tangible change.

Community Match Challenge

During the pandemic OnSide was awarded £6million as part of The Community Match Challenge Fund. This funding supported the 14 Youth Zones and three of OnSide’s partner Youth Clubs.

These projects need your continued support

Our fundraising team would love to hear from you.

Whether as an individual or an organisation we want to hear from you.  It takes around £6.5million to open a new Youth Zone in the UK and as the need for these centres of the community grows so does our focus on securing new funding and new supporters.

How to get OnSide

We need your financial support to make a real difference to the lives of young people throughout the country. We aim to give all young people somewhere safe and inspiring to go in their leisure time. Youth Zones are having a transformational impact on young people now and will continue to do so for future generations.

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Education Project

The Education Project, once known as the Education Project for Homeless Youth or EPHY, is an initiative created to support Washtenaw County students struggling to participate in school due to complex physical, mental, or emotional needs. The Education Project is divided into four core areas of focus: Child Well-Being, Health, Education, and Homeless Services. A brief description of the areas of focus and links to their respective pages are as follows:

• Child Well-Being - This page is under construction. Please check back.
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Homeless Services

Some of the ways in which the Education Project works to support families and students is to help identify and connect to resources in the community, as well as assist in navigating systems. Specific resources available to support young people in staying connected to school depend on the type of need and will be determined working in partnership with the Education Project team. For more information about assistance and resources available please click on the appropriate link.

Additional questions can be addressed by email or by calling (734) 994-8100 x1518.

Education Project Contact Information:

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Sarah Hierman Grants & Special Projects Coordinator

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Funding And Grant Resources For Nonprofits Focused On Youth Programs

Maddie Zeigler, M.Ed. • September 14, 2021

For nonprofits whose target audience is primarily underserved youth, the task of finding funding shouldn’t be difficult. Many foundations focus much of their philanthropy work on youth empowerment—and for good reason. The youth will eventually be the citizens and leaders of tomorrow and ultimately make invaluable contributions to their families, economic growth, peace building, and sustainable development for all of our communities.

The foundations on this list are just a few of the many that understand the importance that youth empowerment plays in helping young people from all backgrounds grow and excel during this critical stage of their life.

See if any of the funders serve your community and if you qualify for funding. If your nonprofit serves other areas, check out the other funder lists I recently wrote, including ones on Education , Arts & Culture , and Environment & Conservation .

Grant Research Tip: While there are more than 100,000 potential grant funders across the United States, they typically are very specific in what they fund and where they fund. For that reason, your organization and its activities will not be of interest to most of the funders out there. 

Your job is to find those grantmakers who ARE interested in what you do. Visit Grantli to learn how I do my grant research and exactly how you can find the funders that align with your own organization.

Funding Priority: Youth Programs

Global fund for children, w.k. kellogg foundation, national park trust, allstate foundation, kars4kids foundation, good sports.

• Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health

Ben & Jerry’s Foundation

Daniels fund, highland street foundation, whas crusade for children, cleveland foundation, the columbus foundation, the skillman foundation, the dallas foundation.

The Global Fund for Children engages young people who are also the least likely to have access to mainstream education and training, including girls, refugees, young people with disabilities, and youth engaged in hazardous work. They prioritize programs that advance young people’s political and civil participation and rights, that amplify youth voices, increase their decision-making powers, and raise awareness of their rights and needs, and that empower young people to educate and inspire their peers to act.

Areas served: Worldwide

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports children, families, and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society. They accept applications at any time. There are no deadlines or specific grantmaking cycles.

Areas served: Mexico, Haiti, US (priority: Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, New Orleans)

The National Park Trust, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, is offering the Every Kid Outdoors Transportation Grants Program, which will support the transportation and activity needs of nonprofit organizations and schools across the United States that are connecting elementary school-aged youth to public lands. Grants up to $5,000 will be provided to schools and organizations looking for the funding needed to connect kids in their community to local public lands and waters through a positive and impactful outdoor experience.

Areas served: US

The Allstate Foundation works to empower youth to succeed at school, in their communities, and in life, and is committed to fostering their ability to become equitable and inclusive leaders and establish healthy personal relationships that are free of violence. The Foundation’s current funding opportunity will grant $3 million across two focus areas: The Relationship Violence Prevention Programs & Inclusive Leadership Programs for Youth and Educators. Learn more on their website.

The Kars4Kids Small Grant Program’s mission is to support the development of youth into productive and engaged members of society. They accept submissions from any United States-based, IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations focused on work that benefits America’s children. Grants typically range from $500-$2,000, depending on such factors as mission alignment and availability of funds.

Good Sports creates opportunities in sports and physical activity for kids through donations of brand new sports equipment, apparel, and footwear. Their goal is to help youth-serving programs increase the total number of youth participants, enhance the experience for all young people involved, and create new opportunities in physical activity for the kids they serve. They accept applications on a rolling basis.

Lucile Packard Foundation For Children’s Health

The Lucile Packard Foundation invests in programs and projects that contribute to improving systems of care for children with special health care needs and their families. They pursue systems change through three focus areas: care coordination, family engagement, and systems and standards. They give priority to programs and projects that can affect a large number of children and families, build on existing knowledge, and have the potential for sustainability and replicability.

The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation supports grassroots groups throughout the United States and its territories that organize for racial equity and social and environmental justice. But specifically in Vermont, through their Community Action Team Program they fund organizations that address basic human needs (such as food, housing, health, elder and childcare) within Vermont’s under-served populations, including elders, youth, low-income and communities of color.

Areas served: Vermont

The Daniels Fund focuses on supporting highly effective and ethical nonprofit organizations that achieve significant results in the community. They support character-building programs that help youth become confident, patriotic, and independent. 

Areas served: Colorado, Wyoming

The Highland Street Foundation is committed to addressing the most pressing needs and concerns for children and families in Massachusetts and California. They provide access and opportunities in education, housing, mentorship, health care, environment, and the arts. While they do not accept unsolicited requests for funding, they will accept a letter of inquiry from organizations that align with their priorities.

Areas served: Massachusetts, California

The WHAS Crusade for Children makes life better for children with special needs by inspiring generosity with their community partners. Established in 1954 by WHAS-TV, WHAS raises money for agencies, schools, and hospitals to better the lives of special needs children. Together they provide resources to impact all children with special needs.

Areas served: Kentucky, southern Indiana

The Cleveland Foundation is the community foundation serving Greater Cleveland, including Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties. It is made up of more than 1,300 funds representing individuals, families, organizations, and corporations. Its mission is to enhance the lives of all residents of Greater Cleveland, now and for generations to come.

Areas served: Cleveland/Ohio

The Columbus Foundation invests in a broad range of nonprofit organizations working to strengthen and improve their community. Grant funds are made available across a variety of categories, based on donor intent and the guidance of our Governing Committee. Their Fund for Targeted Needs supports a wide variety of donor interests, including health, animal welfare, community improvement, conservation, youth development, substance abuse, special populations, and more.

Areas served: Columbus/Ohio

Robin Hood is New York City’s largest poverty-fighting organization. For over thirty years, they’ve been finding, fueling, and creating the most impactful and scalable solutions to lift families out of poverty in New York City. They partner with more than 250 nonprofits to provide food, housing, education, legal services, workforce development, and more to New Yorkers living in poverty across all five boroughs.

Areas served: New York City

Through grantmaking and relationship building, the Skillman Foundation leverages networks of champions that share a vision of equity in school and outside of it, where all kids have access to the support they need to thrive. They believe that by “placing children at the center of this movement, their well-being becomes the focus of their collective work, and with it comes higher achieving students, highly-engaged young people, and a brighter future for Detroit.” Check out their current funding opportunities.

Areas served: Detroit/Michigan

The Dallas Foundation hosts a wide variety of funds established by donors—individuals, families, corporations, and organizations—all with a broad range of interests. Check out their funding opportunities including their funds focused on children and families.

Areas served: Dallas/Texas

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Youth and Education project

About the youth and education project.

SOS International coordinated an advocacy project (Sept 2021 – July 2022), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and with support from the UNESCO ( WHEC Youth Strategy ), USPESD, and Fridays for Future,  aiming to work with policymakers to better understand how climate education can be integrated in higher education in their countries . While UNESCO and UNEP sought to invite and encourage policymakers / ministers to collaborate in this project, SOS International convened student-led organizations and supported (groups of) students on the ground to collaborate with policymakers in their countries, with a specific focus on higher education.

The project started in September 2021 and ended in July 2022, but the  Youth for Climate Education community that was initiated as part of this project continues independently.

The following lists the main outputs from this project :

A collection of video messages from students what’s lacking, what’s needed and which actions are required to advance climate education in higher education. The resulting video was shown at the Times Higher Education Climate Impact Forum on 28 October, where it was watched by participating ministers and delegates.

> Help to spread the video in your networks and use it for your advocacy efforts.

Two 2-hour virtual workshops , delivered in collaboration with student organizations who can share good practice experience in working successfully with ministries

See recording of advocacy workshop #1 from March 2nd and advocacy workshop 2 from 27 July 2022.

A peer-community where students from the target countries can exchange about their progress and strategies and get support from each other and from SOS;

Join the Youth for Climate Education community

The manifesto for climate education, including policy asks for advancing climate education and a set of recommendations on how policy makers and youth can better collaborate on advancing climate education.

Sign and spread the manifesto , and get policy makers to sign it!

A high-level roundtable where youth presented and discussed the manifesto for climate education at the UNESCO World Higher Education Conference in May (18-20)

See the recording here .

Get in touch

Want to know more? Contact us!

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Video: Growing Community Youth Connections in Community Food Systems

YENC22-187 (project overview) Project Type: Youth Educator Funds awarded in 2022: $6,000.00 Projected End Date: 01/15/2024 Grant Recipient: Bandhu Gardens Region: North Central State: Michigan Project Manager: Emily Staugaitis Email Bandhu Gardens Description: Learn about a SARE-funded summer apprenticeship with 5 Bangladeshi-American teens working with Bandhu Gardens, an urban farm in Detroit. Hear about the youths' experiences from the apprenticeship, advice for other programs looking to work with youth, and reflections on their family's cultural practices related to community food systems and sustainable agriculture farming operations. This session will dissect the study and its findings with tangible takeaways for small or beginning farmers. This video is Emily Staugaitis's SARE Farmers Forum presentation at the 2024 20th Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference. Type: Multimedia Target audiences: Farmers/Ranchers; Educators URL: https://youtu.be/SY90KlObB10?si=vWaL1oWPVP27qpOp This product is associated with the project " Community Food System Summer Apprenticeship "

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Resources for GA MGEVs

Celebrating Youth Programming and School Gardens

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MGEVs are heroes when it comes to introducing youth to the joy and wonder of the garden! They lead youth through gardens, introducing them to all manner of natural things, like native plants, insects, blooms, seed pods, and soil. MGEVs can be found in the classroom, showing students how plants serve as amazing air conditioners and cleaners or sharing the awe of a germinating seed. Youth learn how to coax plants into bloom or how to create a craft from a plant to share with a loved one. MGEVs share a love of growing things with young people, and they plant the seeds that may inspire a young person to continue gardening all their life or maybe even pursue a career in horticulture.

Smart learning: AI resources every educator should know

April 18, 2024.

By Microsoft Education Team

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On April 19 in the United States, we celebrate National AI Literacy Day , a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering understanding and engagement with AI. With developments in AI happening so quickly and new products and features launching all the time, it can be difficult to keep up. We want to equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the world of AI. We’ve gathered some resources, activities, and training to help you get up to speed on all things AI, and how it can be useful in education. In addition to the items below, you’ll find a collection of AI for education resources and learning opportunities on the Microsoft Learn Educator Center .

AI literacy is crucial in today's digital age, where AI technologies are increasingly integrated into our daily lives. Our latest insights from the AI in Education: Microsoft Special Report demonstrate a disconnect—use of AI in education is outpacing the understanding of the technology. There’s an urgent need to increase AI literacy and AI integration in strategic priorities, standards, policies, and professional development.

For educators, it's about preparing your students for a future where AI will be a fundamental part of many professions. It’s also about guiding learners to use AI tools safely and responsibly, ensuring they understand the implications of AI on privacy and data security. By fostering AI literacy, we can shape a future where everyone can navigate and benefit from AI advancements confidently and responsibly. Whether you’re a teacher, parent/guardian, or curious learner, here are some valuable resources to enhance your AI literacy from Microsoft Education .

11 resources for educators to amp up your AI literacy

For National AI Literacy Day 2024, explore the AI in education professional development opportunities available from Microsoft.

AI in education professional development

• AI for Educators training : Spend a few hours on your professional development and learn about the history of AI, large language models (LLMs), generative AI, how to create a prompt, and uses of AI in education. The AI for Educators Learning Path on Microsoft Learn is made up of three modules: “Empower educators to explore the potential of artificial intelligence,” “Enhance teaching and learning with Microsoft Copilot,” and “Equip and support learners with AI tools from Microsoft.” From now until April 30, 2024, participate in the AI skills challenge for educators and benchmark your progress against fellow educators and friends.
• Flip AI for educators series : Flip offers free professional development training sessions that provide easy-to-follow instructions, best practices, and inspiration on various topics, including AI! You can catch up on the great AI for educators series events that have already happened, and be sure to register for upcoming professional development events as well.
• Microsoft Education AI Toolkit : The Microsoft Education AI Toolkit provides education leaders with relevant background knowledge, strategies, and recommendations for launching AI initiatives in K-20 settings. It also includes customer stories and technical profiles that showcase how institutions around the globe are already using AI for teaching, learning, and administration. What’s inside of the toolkit provides those in charge with the necessary information that they need to jumpstart their own AI journey. Learn more about the Microsoft Education AI Toolkit and how to use this resource in this article: Kickstart your school’s AI journey with the Microsoft Education AI Toolkit .

Get started using Microsoft Copilot in education

• Introduction to Microsoft Copilot : Learn all about Microsoft Copilot, your AI-powered assistant for education. Get an overview of how to use Copilot, as well as ideas and inspiration for how you can use Copilot to save time, differentiate instruction, and enhance student learning. You can save or print this quick guide to Microsoft Copilot to refer back to as needed.
• Copilot resources for education : Dive deeper into what Copilot can do with resources for education. Whether you’re an educator, IT professional, or parent/guardian, you’ll find helpful resources to get started using Copilot.
• Copilot lab : While it’s not specific to education, the Copilot lab is a great resource to help you learn more about Copilot, how to write a prompt, and ideas of how to get started using Copilot.

Improve your students’ AI literacy, too!

By fostering AI literacy, together we can shape a future where everyone can navigate and benefit from AI advancements.

• Classroom toolkit: Unlocking generative AI safely and responsibly is a creative resource that blends engaging narrative stories with instructional information to create an immersive and effective learning experience for educators and students aged 13-15 years. The toolkit is designed to assist educators in initiating important conversations about responsible AI practices in the classroom, such as the critical topics of content fabrications, privacy considerations, bias awareness, and mental wellbeing.
• Minecraft AI Prompt Lab : Embracing the ever-changing world of education calls for innovation and tech-savvy teaching methods. The Minecraft AI Prompt Lab is a new series of resources that demonstrates how to use Microsoft Copilot with   Minecraft Education to design amazing learning experiences. Crafted for educators like you, this game-changing guide is here to revolutionize the way you deliver educational content with Minecraft. In Prompt Lab: Module 1 , learn how to write prompts, develop learning content and assessments, and generate creative ideas for lesson plans will help you unlock the power of game-based learning with Minecraft Education. In Prompt Lab: Module 2 , learn the basics of Code Builder, the in-game coding feature of Minecraft Education.

• Minecraft Hour of Code: Generation AI : All students deserve opportunities to explore AI technology to understand its implications, access career pathways, and be empowered to safely, confidently navigate an AI-powered world. Designed for anyone ages 7 and up, Minecraft Hour of Code: Generation AI is a fun, accessible way to explore the fundamentals of coding and responsible AI. Students will venture through time to create helpful AI-powered inventions to solve problems and make daily life easier. Learn coding basics and essential principles of computer science, all while encouraging thoughtful discussions around responsible coding and AI development. With free downloadable educator resources exploring the amazing potential of AI has never been more exiting or immersive!

Online safety and information literacy are the foundation of AI literacy

• Microsoft Family Safety Toolkit : To help young people, educators, and families navigate the digital world, Microsoft has also released an online safety resource, the Microsoft Family Safety Toolkit . This toolkit provides guidance on how to leverage Microsoft’s safety features and family safety settings to support and enhance digital parenting, plus guidance for families looking to navigate the world of generative AI together. Bonus resource for young children: PBS Kids launched an educational series on AI supported by Microsoft.  
• Search Progress and Coach : Empowering learners to seek, evaluate, and use online sources responsibly is a critical step in helping them to navigate AI-generated content and the wider information ecosystem with confidence. This short course on our newest Learning Accelerators, Search Progress and Search Coach , showcases how educators can help foster information literacy skills through any research-based assignment in Microsoft Teams for Education.

Let’s celebrate knowledge, curiosity, and the transformative power of AI. Join us this National AI Literacy Day to explore these resources and take a step towards a more informed and inclusive future with AI. Whether you're an educator looking to bring AI into the classroom or a parent guiding your child in the digital world, these resources will equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI's potential responsibly. Let's celebrate the day by committing to lifelong learning and curiosity in the ever-evolving field of AI.

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