Young people share advice on school reopening, racism, mental health


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America's Promise Bulletin - August 20, 2020

americaspromise.org ([link removed])

Youth Townhall: What Should School Leaders Consider as We Return to School?

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Schools and districts across the country are taking a wide range of approaches to the return to school—from starting the year virtually to beginning entirely in person. Regardless of the form that the return to school takes, the perspectives and experiences of young people can inform school, district, and community leaders’ approaches to reopening and decisions throughout this year and beyond. 

On Wednesday, August 26 at 2:00 PM ET America’s Promise Alliance and The 74 ([link removed]) will host a virtual conversation with young people focused on what they are thinking and feeling as we move into an unprecedented school year. In this conversation, middle and high school students from around the country will discuss considerations for reopening, concerns about their safety and wellbeing, ways that learning can continue to be meaningful, and how schools can engage youth in decision-making. Youth panelists will also share their insights and advice for school leaders on how schools should provide opportunities to talk and learn about race and racism.

This event is made possible through the generous support of Pure Edge, Inc.

If you are a school leader, educator, or other youth-supporting adult, please use the link below to register:

ADULT REGISTER HERE ([link removed])

We encourage you to invite middle and high school students in your networks to participate. Please note that young people should register using the student link below.

STUDENT REGISTER HERE ([link removed])

How Are Young People Experiencing Employment during COVID-19?

“At first when things started slowly opening back up, it was like I had to choose: go back to school and finish my degree, or go to work and support
myself and my family.”
-Kat B.,Youth Contributor, Working On The Frontlines: A Young Mom’s Reflection ([link removed])

As we hear from more and more young people about their struggles and successes with employment during COVID-19, one message continues to stand above the rest: young people, regardless of their education or employment status, want decision makers to listen to their perspectives about what is needed to support youth employment in the current job market. 

As the pandemic continues to take a toll on communities and individuals across the country, we remain committed to amplifying the stories and experiences young people have had with losing work, finding work, and maintaining work--often while managing multiple additional responsibilities. Our hope is that by working to place young people at the forefront of national and local conversations about youth employment, their experiences and perspectives can shape how employers, policymakers, schools, and nonprofit and community organizations support them both now and in the aftermath of the pandemic.

“Our virtual environment and increased availability of leisure time is a perfect opportunity for organizations to scale up mentorship programs and offer virtual internships. Although it is challenging to ensure that online opportunities are as engaging and fulfilling as in-person opportunities, we should recognize that these programs can still provide guidance, exposure, connections, and skillsets that young people would not have otherwise.” 

—Mussab A.,Youth Contributor, Not A Meritocracy: The U.S. and Youth Employment During COVID-19 ([link removed])

READ THEIR STORIES ([link removed])

To further explore this theme, the GradNation campaign’s webinar on August 27 will highlight youth perspectives on the connection between high school pathways and meaningful employment. In this webinar, three young people participating in the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program, along with their supporting adults, will discuss strategies to create meaningful pathways that lead to viable career opportunities after high school, and how those pathways might be adapted in the context of COVID-19.

REGISTER HERE ([link removed])

More From America’s Promise:

America’s Promise Highlights the Work of 10 Power of Youth Challenge Grant Winners ([link removed]) Max London, America’s Promise Alliance Intern

5 Ways Employers Can Support Black Employees: A Young Leader’s Advice ([link removed])
Sierra W., Youth Contributor

Not A Meritocracy: The U.S. And Youth Employment During COVID-19 ([link removed])
Mussab A., Youth Contributor

Working On The Frontlines: A Young Mom’s Reflection ([link removed])
Kat B., Youth Contributor

Internship Programs Are Filling A Crucial Gap During COVID-19 ([link removed])
Marissa H., Youth Contributor

What We’re Reading:

Social, Emotional, and Academic Development Through an Equity Lens ([link removed]) The Education Trust

SEL+OST=Perfect Together: A Conference Report ([link removed]) The Wallace Foundation

Ready to Partner ([link removed]) Learning Heroes, National PTA, and Univision

Coming Back to Climate: How Principals Can Use School Climate Data To Lead Imporvement ([link removed]) The Aspen Institute Education and Society Program

Mark Your Calendars:

August 24 | DEADLINE TO APPLY: America’s Promise Youth Board Member: ([link removed]) America’s Promise Alliance is looking for great young leaders for highly visible roles in the leadership of our organization. We are currently seeking young people between the ages of 18-24 to serve a three-year term on our Board of Directors and with our Alliance Trustees. All applications must be submitted by Monday, August 24, 2020!

August 25 | Restarting the School Year with SEL: Live Q&A Chat for Educators: ([link removed]) Educators, are you seeking support and guidance on social and emotional learning in the year ahead? You are invited to join CASEL and America’s Promise Alliance on Tuesday, August 25 from 4:30-5:30 pm ET.  During this chat-based discussion forum, you can ask a panel of 30 experts your pressing questions about reopening schools with SEL – from building relationships and strengthening adult SEL to creating safe environments for students and elevating youth voice. 

August 27 | Building Responsive Pathways to Graduation and Beyond: ([link removed]) In our 2nd #GradNation webinar, leaders from Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates, Youth Solutions Inc., Michigan College Access Network, and AT&T will discuss strategies to create meaningful pathways that lead young people to viable career opportunities after they complete high school, and how those pathways might be adapted in the context of COVID-19.

Funding Opportunities:

Walmart ([link removed]) | Deadline December 31: With individual regions in mind, this grant opportunity, ranging from $250 to $5,000, offers funding to support a wide range of community-based organization initiatives.

Craft Futures Fund ([link removed])  | Ongoing: The Craft Futures Fund will support craft communities throughout the United States and their creative responses to COVID-19. These one-time, unrestricted grants of $5,000 will be disbursed to craft-based education projects that seed resilience, foster community, and amplify impact.

Through our youth voice project, young people continue to share their experiences about life during this time. 

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LEARN MORE ([link removed])

America’s Promise Alliance is the driving force behind a nationwide movement to improve the lives and futures of America’s youth. If you would like to help make the promise of America real for every child, consider donating below. 

Donate ([link removed])





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