youth programs

The first use of alcohol and other substances often begins during the summer months. One local nonprofit is saving lives through education. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

Noise Permit is a youth program developed by the Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) and Ozone House designed to help teens explore their creativity through audio technology. Thanks to a new source of funding, the program will expand into the world of video technology. Lee Van Roth discussed the program's new direction with YDL staff member Shayla Card-Nowlin.

There's an old saying: "It takes a village to raise a child." Through Ypsilanti Community Schools, an after-school program called "Ypsilanti Community — The Village" builds up the well-being of kids with athletics. Lee Van Roth discussed the program with its director, YCS football coach Mitch Long.

An Ypsilanti nonprofit is directing its efforts to provide programming for youngsters in Ypsilanti that promote positive outcomes in all aspects of life. It’s called Educate Youth and says it's committed to increasing high school graduation rates and working one-on-one to develop a clear post-high school plan. WEMU's David Fair talked with founder and executive director Gail Wolkoff about the successes to date and the challenges ahead.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10-14. Kristen Roberts is president of the Miles Jeffrey Roberts Foundation. Her husband, Jeff Roberts, is chief operating officer of the foundation. Their son, Miles, was just 15 when he died by suicide on May 29th of 2017. In honor of Miles, the couple established the Miles Jeffrey Foundation to help direct people to resources and spare others similar grief and pain. The Roberts’ spoke about their work and their upcoming projects with WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor.

The Michigan House of Representatives voted Tuesday to stop certain practices in the so-called “troubled teen industry.” Colin Jackson has more.

Thousands across Michigan proudly decide to become Girl Scouts. The program is robustly present in Washtenaw County, too. The mission of the organization is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Still, scouting has had its fair share of controversies through the years. Brenna West is Chief Communications Officer with the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. She talked to WEMU's David Fair about the drive for equity, equality and inclusion and about some of the hurdles in helping girls get to that place.

Organizations in the Washtenaw County Continuum of Care have launched a new effort to address youth homelessness after receiving $4.2 million in federal funding. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

There is a long tradition of teenagers and young adults getting summer jobs to save up some money while school is out of session. It has seemingly become more difficult to land one of these jobs. That’s where SummerWorks comes in. Through partnership and collaboration, the SummerWorks summer youth employment program works with area employers to find paid internships and mentorship to area young people. It can go beyond a few summer dollars and be a pathway to self-discovery, an educational path and/or a career. WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre talked with program manager Kathleen Clancey about the program and how your kids and grandkids can get involved.

Ozone House in Ann Arbor is seeking alternative solutions to secure funding for its youth sheltering programs after this year’s federal cuts have impacted them greatly. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.