Date/Time: Thursday, May 3 | 2:25 - 3:40PM

Speakers: Leandra Shelton, Metro Parks Tacoma, & Rana Becker, Redmond Parks & Recreation

Category: Programming

Description: According to a survey of 68 studies of after-school programs, youth who participate in high-quality out of school programs have higher school attendance, behave better, receive better grades, and perform better on tests (SOWA). Current best practices and quality standards in the field of youth development recognize the importance of youth voice, choice, and structured opportunities for youth to lead and be mentors. Learn how to inspire, facilitate, and offer programs created and implemented by youth and teens.

Learning Objectives:

• Introductory level knowledge of Youth Program Quality Standards (YPQI)
  
  
• Participants will gain skills in identifying opportunities for youth-led programming and how to facilitate it.
  
  
• Participants will have an increased positive attitude towards their ability to offer youth-led programs.

Speakers: Leandra Shelton is a Recreation Supervisor with Metro Parks Tacoma. She has worked for several Washington municipalities in recreation mostly focused on youth and teens. She is an advocate for youth program quality standards and has a BA in Elementary Education from Eastern Washington University and is a voluntary instructor at UW Bothell.

Rana Becker brings over 18 years of experience with youth to her current position as City of Redmond’s Teen Administrator. A Redmond native and Evergreen State College graduate, Rana is in tune with the needs of young people in King County’s growing Eastside.