University of Minnesota Extension Youth Development

August is a critical time for young people to turn summer experiences into aspirations. Jennifer Skuza, youth development department head and associate dean, shares insights on guiding this process.

Why August may be the most important month in youth development

New research from the Afterschool Alliance shows that while many families want outdoor, screen-free enrichment activities, cost continues to be the biggest barrier to access.

Everyday families struggle to afford summer opportunities

Extension Educator Savannah Scott outlines strategies for engaging homeschool co-ops to expand youth program reach and increase collaborative learning opportunities

Engaging homeschool co-ops Extension Educator Savannah Scott outlines strategies for engaging homeschool co-ops to expand youth program reach and increase collaborative learning opportunities.

Dr. Jennifer Skuza, youth development department head and associate dean, reflects on the collaborative partnership work in Kenya that reshaped her team's understanding of youth development across contexts.

Inflection points in practice: Lessons from youth development experiences in Kenya Jennifer Skuza, youth development department head and associate dean, reflects on the collaborative partnership work in Kenya that reshaped her team's understanding of youth development across contexts.

Jeremy Freeman shares how volunteer managers need to look beyond their fixed menu of programming to serve up volunteer opportunities that accommodate different levels of commitment and interest, satisfying appetites of all sizes

Serving up volunteer experiences that everyone can enjoy Volunteer managers need to look beyond their fixed menu of programming to serve up volunteer opportunities that accommodate different levels of commitment and interest, satisfying appetites of all sizes.

Welcoming new Youth Development staff to the St. Paul campus - Building towers that represent the systems and operations that support programs

Alysa Tulibaski reminds us that wellbeing empowers youth development professionals to sustain their energy, prevent burnout and deliver high‑quality youth programs

Prioritizing wellbeing in youth development work Wellbeing empowers youth development professionals to sustain their energy, prevent burnout and deliver high‑quality programs that prepare youth for work and life.