WYEN: Working with Teens Tips & Conversation Starters
While the teenage years often get a bad rap, this is a deeply formative time for young people. The experiences they have—especially ones that are hands on and in authentic relationships with adults—really do change their brains!
Aspen Institute: Roots and Routes
Roots and Routes from the Aspen Institute explores how communities can create stronger pathways for young people by connecting learning, relationships, and civic life. The resource offers practical strategies for helping youth develop a sense of belonging, purpose, and agency.
NIOST: STEM Workforce Issue Brief
Published by the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) at Wellesley College, this issue brief explores effective strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining a high-quality STEM workforce in out-of-school time programs. Drawing on research and field experience in Wyoming!
STEM Next: Building Bridges with Industry Playbook
The Building Bridges with Industry Playbook provides practical guidance for developing meaningful partnerships between out-of-school time programs and industry partners. It includes strategies, examples, and tools for creating career-connected learning experiences that expose young people to real-world careers and workplace skills.
STEM Next: Career-Connected Learning Framework
Developed by STEM Next Opportunity Fund, this framework helps out-of-school time programs connect STEM learning to career awareness, exploration, and workforce readiness. The framework is designed for program leaders, educators, and partners seeking to strengthen career-connected learning opportunities for youth.
Simple Interactions Tool
The Simple Interactions Tool is a free, strengths-based resource that helps adults notice and reflect on the everyday interactions that support young people's growth. Recommended by Rosemary McBride, Ph.D., 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Consultant, Accountability Division
Jobs for the Future: Framework for College and Career Pathways in Rural Communities
This framework from Jobs for the Future (JFF) provides guidance for designing and implementing college and career pathways that reflect the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities. The resource can help program leaders, schools, and community organizations strengthen local pathways that prepare youth for life, learning, and work.
Jobs for the Future: Possible Futures Career Exploration Curriculum
Possible Futures is a free career exploration curriculum from Jobs for the Future (JFF) designed to help middle school youth discover their interests, strengths, and future opportunities. The curriculum is well-suited for out-of-school time programs looking to introduce career-connected learning in a flexible and youth-centered way.
Wyoming State Board of Education: Wyoming Profile of a Graduate
Developed by the Wyoming State Board of Education with input from educators, families, employers, and communities across the state, the Wyoming Profile of a Graduate describes the knowledge, skills, and mindsets every young person should develop before graduating from high school.