We describe the research and development of an NSF-funded, five-year experimental program to strengthen informal (out-of-school) STEM learning by youth in five rural communities. The central component of the model was a cadre of community members known as 'STEM Guides' who were hired to work as brokers between youth and the STEM learning resources…

In some countries, the scale of the youth illiteracy problem calls for critical and targeted responses. It is important to help young people in developing countries gain basic literacy skills so that they can contribute to the development of productive, peaceful, and democratic societies. While national commitments and support are important, the…

English practice activities can be a great medium for positive youth development. Worldwide, young people are aware of the increased opportunities available to those with English language skills, creating a high demand for quality English education. As a result, Youth in Development Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) are often asked to teach English.…

This article describes a critical service-learning project that resulted from an educational partnership among a national teachers' union, a local teachers' union, and a major research university. The partnership-funded by a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service, Learn and Serve program--focused on professional development…

The study reported here examined Extension professionals' involvement in farm-to-school program activities. Results of an online survey distributed to eight state Extension systems indicate that on average, Extension professionals are involved with one farm to school program activity, with most supporting school or community garden programs.…

In the more than 10 years since the inception of EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) Brownfields Program, brownfields have been redefined. Properties that were shunned or eyed warily by those with the resources to transform them are now viewed as dormant opportunities for economic and environmental rebirth. Communities that suffered aesthetic…

This ecology curriculum for young children is arranged into seven chapters of activities. The chapters are preceded by an activity matrix that provides information on outcomes, location of activity, and time of year. Each chapter begins with a background section that provides a basic understanding of the topic. It also explains how much young…

The Oakland (California) Explorers is a program to help children learn about the city. The project is part of a long-term effort by the Junior Center for Art and Science to make Oakland a better place for children to be raised. Project goals are to create the following: (1) a living museum of Oakland that will include children and adolescents in…

Exercises and techniques are presented which will help young people and adults working in youth-serving organizations develop cooperative work relationships. Youth empowerment is defined as the process by which young people learn, through active participation in the relationship, events, and institutions that affect their lives, to develop and…

This curriculum guide is designed for educators who want to teach youths aged 5-18 about the interactions among energy, economics, and the environment. This guide contains five chapters of activities, each focusing on a different topic related to this interaction as well as several sections that guide session leaders in helping youth along the…

This document consists of descriptions of 43 effective youth employment initiatives that were identified by the Promising and Effective Practices Network (PEPNet), a project of the National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC). The document begins with an explanation of the five broad categories of criteria used to select the programs (purpose and…