Join us as we do a LIVE recording at the VPOST (Virginia Partnership for Out-Of-School-Time) 15th annual conference. We wrapped up the conference with a vibrant discussion with guests Dr. Virginia Patterson, Executive Director of Mentor VA, and Sharon Burton, Director of Education at Peter Paul Development Center. We discussed the evolving landscape of youth development and after-school programs, the vital role of mentoring, and the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the post-pandemic era. Gain insights into fostering collaboration, equity, and advocacy to empower youth and communities. Listen in for impactful strategies and heartfelt stories from seasoned leaders in the field.

Key Takeaways:

• The landscape of youth development programs has shifted from providing basic homework help to offering diverse activities that promote social-emotional growth and workforce readiness.
• Mentorship plays a pivotal role in after-school programs, offering stability and relationship-building opportunities for young people.
• The importance of aligning resources, both financial and human, to optimize the impact of youth-serving organizations.
• Encouraging continuous advocacy at local and state government levels to secure funding and support for community-based youth initiatives.
• Leveraging community partnerships can provide additional opportunities for children, even beyond traditional after-school settings.

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