Over the last trimester, the Youth Leadership Corps (the YLC, our middle school program) has been reaping the benefits of our growing relationships with partner organizations. It has been a personal goal, to connect my students with new and exciting opportunities in the area, in order to broaden their skill set and their options for future endeavors. This year, through networking with Squashbusters Inc. at Northeastern University, Kidding Around Drama from Emerson College, Kids Can Cook, and YES (Youth Enrichment Services), the YLC was able to take part in a myriad of unique field trips and workshops.

Our relationship with Squashbusters, Inc.  has blossomed over the last year.  Jenn Lillis, Academic and Community Coordinator at Squashbusters, was so impressed with the maturity and level of participation of our youth,  that we were asked to return to take part in a Nutrition and Squash Workshop a few short weeks ago. Students were shown snacks and beverages they eat daily and ask to compare nutrition labels on each. Students were asked to calculate total sugars in bottles of juice, and then to provide a visual measured out in tablespoons how much sugar is in each. Other activities included taste testing drinks and coming to the conclusion that better tasting drinks are usually better tasting and worse for you because of the exorbitant amount of sugar in them. After participating in activities of this nature, students were given equipment and sent out on the court with teen staff to learn the specifics of the game.

After making an initial partnership with Kidding Around Drama last year, we were honored to see them return for theater games and workshops this trimester. Over their four week curriculum, our youth learned to find confidence in themselves through acting while entertaining their peers.

Kids Can Cook, deemed “the best thing we do here,” by our students was gracious enough to have us back this year, and over our 5 weeks, the kids learned everything from basic cutting techniques to the difference between spices and herbs and from making vegan chili to making chicken and rice. Kids Can Cook is a phenomenal organization that not only provides students with easy, delicious recipes and food to take home but teaches them discipline and dedication through culinary arts.

Finally, a new partnership with YES welcomed our students with informational workshops about their Job Training Program, Girls Outdoor Adventure Program and Environmental Team. We were also asked to see their Ski and Snowboard Shop and shown how equipment is organized and distributed. Through these activities, representatives from YES hope to connect youth all over the city of Boston, in order strengthen relationship within youth serving organizations.

posted by Hannah Rauchfuss, Youth Leadership Corps Coordinator