Services that Support School-Aged Youth and Their Families As young people go through the important process of finding their way to adulthood, communities, families and programs involved in youth development are working toward establishing positive results in the lives of youth. Youth development is about the people, programs, organizations and systems that support the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of youth and their families. Youth development may look like any of the following services:

• An adult who volunteers time to mentor or tutor a young person;
• A school that partners with community-based organizations to keep its doors open to provide all youth a safe, supervised place to be with homework support, activities, physical and mental health services;
• A leadership development program that offers rival gang members neutral territory where they can relate to one another as individuals and build skills;
• A county government that engages youth in the policy making process through youth councils and youth positions in government departments;
• A religious institution that provides youth access to computers and the necessary training; and
• A local business which employs youth in meaningful and relevant work. (from Center for Youth Development and Policy Research, AED)

Community Information (Back to Top)

Useful Information for Parents and Caregivers of School-age Children

Featured Resources

• What to Look for in an After School Program Advice for parents of elementary, middle and high school student from the Afterschool Alliance
• Helping children cope in unsettling times The economic crisis, tips for students from the National Association of School Psychologists
• Stress in Children and Adolescents Tips for parents from the National Association of School Psychologists

Sites with Information on Youth Development

Presented here are sites with information on youth development initiatives and programs, as well as links to key research and information that can inform programming for youth.

• • Afterschool Programs Connecting afterschool providers to Federal resources that support children and youth during out-of-school hours.

• Afterschool Alliance An alliance of public, private, and nonprofit groups committed to raising awareness and expanding resources for afterschool programs.
• Youth.gov The U.S. government Web site that helps you create, maintain, and strengthen effective youth programs.
• Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) Provides national leadership on youth and family issues.
• Governor’s Office for Children Works collaboratively to create and promote an integrated, community-based service delivery system for Maryland’s children, youth and families.
• Institute for Youth Development Dedicated to ensuring the best possible future for America’s children by promoting positive choices and behaviors.
• Kids.gov Links to government and other kids’ sites
• Maryland Kids Page Maryland Secretary of State Kids’ Page containing information and the history of Maryland
• Maryland Children’s HealthProgram (MCHP) MCHP uses federal and state funds to provide health care coverage to low-income children up to age 19 and pregnant women of any age.
• Maryland State Department of Education Information about the divisions within the Maryland State Department of Education.

Information for Professionals (Back to Top)

To learn more about other quality after school programs, resources available and advocacy efforts, please explore these other great websites we have highlighted below just for you.

Regional

• Montgomery County Collaboration Council for Children, Youth and Families

• Montgomery County Public Schools

• Montgomery County Recreation Department

State

• Maryland Hunger Solutions
  The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) established Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS) as a project to fight hunger and improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of children and families in Maryland.
• Maryland Out-of-School Time Network (MOST)
  The MOST Network is a statewide youth development organization, dedicated to more and better opportunities in the out of school hours for all of Maryland’s young people. MOST Network also offers a variety of youth development professional training, professional development and networking.
• Maryland State Department of Education
  21st Century Community Learning Centers

National

• Afterschool Alliance
  Has online tutorials for finding funding and long-term sustainability for afterschool programs.
• American Camp Association
  ACA’s Professional Development Center is built on a framework of knowledge, skills, and abilities identified with and related to work in the camp and youth development profession.
• David P. Weikart Center for YouthProgram Quality
  Provides evidence based tools and trainings to increase positive outcomes for youth in out-of-school time programs.
• Every Hour Counts
  Builds systems of support in cities to help share and strengthen relationships between after-school programs, public schools, community organizations, and funders.
• Youth Topics
  An excellent source of information on youth issues including bullying
• National Afterschool Association
  Their mission is to foster development, provide education, and encourage advocacy for the out-of-school time community.
• National Institute on Out-of-School Time
  NIOST’s mission is to ensure that all children, youth, and families have access to high quality programs, activities, and opportunities.
• National Summer Learning Association
  Provides research, guidance and expertise to the summer learning community.
• Helping Youth Build Relationships
  Healthy relationships require communication and intimacy skills; they also rely on individual characteristics such as emotional self-regulation, social confidence, and empathy. These resources are available from ACT Youth.
• Search Institute
  Provides research, resources, and expertise to help our partners in organizations, schools, and community coalitions solve critical challenges in the lives of young people.
• Spark Action
  Provides latest news from across the web on afterschool and youth development.
• The Wallace Foundation
  A national philanthropy that seeks to improve education and enrichment for disadvantaged children.

Calendar of Events: Youth Development – (See All)

Here are some upcoming events related to Youth Development: