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Engaging the Public in Positive Youth Development
The Public Education Network Middle Schools “Skills for Life” Initiative envisions greater district, school, and community capacity to address the social and emotional learning needs of middle school children in five communities.
In this initiative, PEN and member LEFs support high-quality instruction and real-life experiences for middle school students to stem the rising tide of substance abuse and violence and related diminished sense of selfhood (low self-esteem, inability to communicate effectively with peers and others, and inability to assert one’s needs appropriately) through:
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Integration in both school and non-school settings of a nationally recognized life skills curriculum and expanded set of opportunities for middle school students to learn and practice emotionally and socially affirming behaviors;
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Professional development opportunities for teachers, counselors and other youth services providers who work directly with middle school children in both school and non-school settings;
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Engagement of school and community actors in developing and implementing plans for promoting life skills beyond the classroom, as part of a larger vision of ensuring that all young people have the skills they need to be ready for college, work and life.*
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Participating Sites
Austin Voices for Education and Youth
Austin, TX
Foundation for Orange County Public Schools
Orlando, FL
Mon Valley Education Consortium
McKeesport, PA
Voices for Education
Tucson, AZ
Youth Sports and Recreation Commission
Detroit, MI
* The Public Education Network has incorporated key features of the framework Ready by 21™, a registered trademark of Impact Strategies, Inc. and the Forum for Youth Investment. |
