Cuyahoga County Youth Work Institute

20 years....20 stories. It has been amazing to read about the impact our work...my work has had on so many in the youth development field!! Come join us on Thursday to hear about our work; join us to share your story (we will have a video booth just for that purpose); come to hear about the power of storytelling!
Registration closes soon.....

Please join us as we celebrate 20 years of CCYWI and “20 Stories”—a tribute to our legacy and the lives we’ve touched together.

We will also honor and celebrate Chyrel as she retires, recognizing her incredible impact and dedication over the years.

Let’s gather together over a food, share memories, express our gratitude, and toast to new beginning. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986921990159?aff=oddtdtcreator

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986921990159?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please click on the link to register
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986921990159?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please click the link to register
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986921990159?aff=oddtdtcreator

Hope you can join us!!

I’m honored to be part of the Spring 2026 issue of AfterSchool Today, published by the National AfterSchool Association.

This issue, The Power of Recognition, explores how recognition is more than appreciation—it’s a critical part of building a strong and sustainable out-of-school time (OST) field.

In "What is Afterschool Reading", I contributed a review of 'The Future Begins with Z' by Tim Elmore. The focus is the importance of understanding and recognizing the mental health needs of the young staff we often employ the OST space and its impact on staff hiring, and retention. The reminder is to bring the same empathy we have for youth in programming to new professionals in the field!

Recognition shapes whether people feel valued, whether they stay in the field, and how programs create environments where young people and professionals can thrive.

I’m grateful to contribute to this important conversation.

🔗 Read the issue: https://www.flipsnack.com/8857BBDD75E/spring-2026-afterschool-today

Deadline has been extended---don't miss this free opportunity to further develop as a youth development professional!

Mott Million Dollar Challenge



Kids and teens everywhere have world-changing ideas that deserve the spotlight, and the Mott Million Dollar Challenge is their chance to shine. This national pitch competition invites K-12 students to submit a simple 30-90 second video sharing an idea that betters their very own school, home, or community.

Students can enter individually or in teams of up to three, and $1 million in prizes will be awarded across the competition! Submissions are due February 27, 2026.

Learn more at mottmillion.org.