The curriculum of our YouthworksNYC’s program focuses on the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of 13-25 youth in congregate care through a combination of team-based collaboration and with critical input and advice from our Youth Advisory Committee.

Team-based Approach

In development of this program, we brought together experts in child and adolescent development, youth education, physical fitness and nutrition, public health, and skill-building. Along with ACS staff and our credible messenger and creative partners, we worked together to build a creative program of art infused virtual formats to bolster capacity for youth to understand and process their feelings, perceptions, thoughts, and expectations.

Youth Advisory Committee

The Youthworks curriculum is intended to be built for youth, by youth. This committee is comprised of youth with diverse experiences, and they further inform and review all materials that have been developed by the program team. This committee also creates and submits content relevant to their context.

Modules

All modules include a standard set of activities including instructor videos, live sessions with credible messengers, self-reflection, online journaling, and Photovoice, which allows youth to record their personal experiences via photos and video and share on the virtual platform.

Topics included in the live sessions and modules, accessed via Google Classroom, cover a variety of health and wellness topics, including:

  • exploring innate strengths and resources to promote self-awareness and self-esteem,
  • physical health and well-being, particularly related to COVID-19 and making healthy choices,
  • developing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships,
  • building resilience and empowerment through individual work and peer interactions,
  • stress relief through breathing, meditation, and exercise; artistic expression in all forms,
  • personal storytelling and social justice,
  • entrepreneurship and career planning.
Format

The program offers a variety of interactive elements to maximize participation including:

  • Moderated instructor videos
  • Live sessions
  • Reflection prompt
  • Online Journal
  • PhotoVoice: Opportunity for participant to record themselves and upload a video of their response to content on the virtual platform
  • Forum to submit questions
  • Pre/Post surveys