Why be youth driven?

Want to increase youth/student engagement while building their sense of agency and empowerment?

Are you a community-based organization looking to increase youth engagement? A school that craves more student input and buy-in? A teen who wants more opportunities to lead and follow your passions?

The Youth Driven Space (YDS) approach is designed to support out-of–school-time (OST) and school-based programs that serve teens.

When an organization uses the “Youth Driven Spaces” model youth thrive because they have a voice and engage in genuine decision making. We empower youth by supporting organizations to develop new practices that lead to a culture of youth and adult partnerships.

Youth-driven programs:

• Increase youth engagement

• Develop 21st Century & socio-emotional learning skills

• Support higher-quality programs

• Prepare young people to be participants in a democratic society, through meaningful roles in civic engagement