Category: The industry
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The Power of Arts, Athletics, and Enrichment in Youth Development.
Programs that integrate arts, athletics, and enrichment are gaining momentum in youth development circles—and for good reason. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, students engaged in the arts are more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and participate in math and science fairs. Meanwhile, team sports are proven to foster discipline, leadership,…
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Why Community-Based Programs Are Key to Closing Opportunity Gaps.
Local programs rooted in community are uniquely positioned to address the opportunity gaps many youth face. From transportation barriers to culturally relevant content, national solutions often fall short of meeting kids where they are. Community-driven models recognize that equity starts with access—and access starts with trust, familiarity, and flexibility. Whether through mobile services, after-school clubs,…
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The Rise of Youth-Driven Learning: Why Interests Matter.
Across the U.S., education leaders are embracing a shift: from curriculum-first to youth-first programming. Studies show that when students are invited to explore their personal interests—like music production, coding, or esports—engagement and outcomes improve dramatically. In cities like Pittsburgh, where youth face disparities in access to enrichment, interest-driven models provide both agency and equity. Instead…