YOUTH

How We Can Help

Successful youth engagement offers significant opportunities for economic and community revitalization. Our field research indicates that a majority of young people would choose to live in their hometowns in the future if quality career opportunities are available. However, many young people do not perceive that such opportunities are available, and many adults assume most young people want to leave and not return to the community.

We help community leaders better understand youth perspectives and attitudes about their hometown and their futures, and develop customized Youth Engagement Systems that help young people discover local career and business opportunities and that involve youth in meaningful ways in their community, that resulting in more of them choosing to stay or return. Our system incorporates entrepreneurship education and career development, leadership and community service, and adult mentoring and support of youth ventures. We offer limited free consultation and fee-based services to community and development organizations interested in becoming more effective in youth-focused community development.

Youth Reports

• Energizing Young Entrepreneurs (link)
• Rural Renewal - As Near As Your Own Young People (link)
• Lindsay Hastings Thesis (link)

Featured Article

• Young and Rural: A Snapshot of Rural North Carolina's New Generation
• Proven Strategies to Address Youth Outmigration

Featured Webinar

• Recruiting Alums and Young Families

Contact: Craig Schroeder at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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