USF Survey Challenges Tampa’s “100 Best Communities for Young People” Ranking

Article by Laura Nessola

Description:

What do young people think about Tampa being named one of “100 Best Communities for Young People” by the America's Promise Alliance? Research interns at the University of South Florida’s Positive Youth Development program of the USF Collaborative for Children, Families and Communities found some young people disagree.

The interns’ findings have resulted in a list of recommendations that address young people’s concerns:

Teen Transportation

Findings suggest young people have difficulty getting to the places they want to go. A possible solution to this is a special teen bus or “teen shuttle."

Tutoring Centers for kids by kids

After school service available at easily accessible locations, free of charge for students in need of extra help

Volunteer tutors would receive community service hours

Community Service Web site

A resource for young people interested in increased involvement in their communities.

A large database containing information about projects looking for young people to participate.

Easily accessible, anonymous support groups

For such matters as depression, sexuality, advice, etc.

Scholarships for camps and extracurricular activities

Findings suggest some young people are unable to participate in camps and other extracurricular activities due to the high costs.

Mentoring and life skills programs

Findings suggest young people feel they are not being adequately prepared for the job market

Job training programs for teen that include incentives for employers to hire certified youth

Mentoring programs focused on technology skills and personal budgeting

“Young people have a lot to contribute in the form of perceptions, observations and excellent ideas that would make Tampa a truly great city for young people,” said Judi Jetson, director, USF Collaborative for Children, Families and Communities. “It’s fascinating to see young people trained in research skills, rigorously go about gathering data and coming back with useful information. In this case, I believe our social service agencies can use these findings to spur initiatives to let young people know about programs that already exist and possibly create others that address young people’s needs.”

Contact Person: Cindy J Liberton

Funding for Academic Year: 2008-09

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	USF Survey Challenges Tampa’s “100 Best Communities for Young People” Ranking Article by Laura Nessola Description: What do young people think about Tampa being named one of “100 Best Communities for Young People” by the America's Promise Alliance? Research interns at the University of South Florida’s Positive Youth Development program of the USF Collaborative for Children, Families and Communities found some young people disagree. The interns’ findings have resulted in a list of recommendations that address young people’s concerns: Teen Transportation Findings suggest young people have difficulty getting to the places they want to go. A possible solution to this is a special teen bus or “teen shuttle." Tutoring Centers for kids by kids After school service available at easily accessible locations, free of charge for students in need of extra help Volunteer tutors would receive community service hours Community Service Web site A resource for young people interested in increased involvement in their communities. A large database containing information about projects looking for young people to participate. Easily accessible, anonymous support groups For such matters as depression, sexuality, advice, etc. Scholarships for camps and extracurricular activities Findings suggest some young people are unable to participate in camps and other extracurricular activities due to the high costs. Mentoring and life skills programs Findings suggest young people feel they are not being adequately prepared for the job market Job training programs for teen that include incentives for employers to hire certified youth Mentoring programs focused on technology skills and personal budgeting “Young people have a lot to contribute in the form of perceptions, observations and excellent ideas that would make Tampa a truly great city for young people,” said Judi Jetson, director, USF Collaborative for Children, Families and Communities. “It’s fascinating to see young people trained in research skills, rigorously go about gathering data and coming back with useful information. In this case, I believe our social service agencies can use these findings to spur initiatives to let young people know about programs that already exist and possibly create others that address young people’s needs.” Contact Person: Cindy J Liberton Funding for Academic Year: 2008-09


	Monday November 23 2009