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Changing Our Course: Youth as Resources Program Guide

NCJ Number
161403
Author(s)
A Carlson
Date Published
1992
Length
152 pages
Annotation
The goal of this Youth as Resources (YAR) Program Guide is to engage young people in addressing community needs, and basic information is provided on how to initiate and implement a YAR program.
Abstract
Most of the ideas contained in the guide are taken from a YAR demonstration program that began in 1987 in Indiana. The YAR concept focuses on locally based grant assistance programs for youth-generated community service projects. The first chapter of the guide explains the YAR program concept and offers a brief history and status report. The second chapter examines first steps in program development, such as determining whether a YAR program is feasible, identifying a host agency, establishing a local board of directors, choosing a program coordinator, and starting a fund development effort. Subsequent chapters focus on grant policies and procedures, community awareness, support to YAR participants, and procedures for screening applicants and awarding grants. The final chapter discusses tracking progress, recognizing accomplishments, and gauging local success. Sample program materials and other resources are appended.