Amplifying Youth Voices: A Recap of the 2023 Youth Symposium

youth development youth projects Oct 04, 2023
2023 Youth Symposium

At Dignity of Children®, we believe that every young person deserves a platform to express their ideas, share their experiences, and make a difference in their communities. Our annual Symposium is a testament to this commitment, providing a space for youth voices to be heard and celebrated. This summer, we provided services to CASW and Kips Bay for Summer Youth Employment Program.

Empowering Youth

The Youth Symposium is a yearly event that brings together young minds from diverse backgrounds. Sponsored by Dignity of Children® and corporate partners who share our vision, this symposium is all about giving young people the opportunity to shine.

One of the key components leading up to the symposium is the Empowering Minds PBL Curricula. These curricula are thoughtfully designed to prepare students to participate in the symposium. They equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to compete and succeed.

 

 

Summer 2023: A Unique Experience

This past summer, in 2023, we continued to face unique challenges due to the ongoing global situation. However, adversity only fueled our determination to provide valuable experiences for our youth. We continued with an online format and hosted multiple classes covering a wide range of subjects, including marketing, business, finance, and health and wellness.

 

 

Inspirational Facilitators

Our online classes were made possible by dedicated facilitators who are experts in their respective fields. They not only shared their knowledge but also created an environment where students felt comfortable, engaged, and inspired. We are grateful for our facilitators Rebecca Loaisiga, Kalee Lamp Sparr and Marcus Bazemore, whose professionalism and diligence made it possible to run these summer programs smoothly and successfully.

Makayla, one of the students in Business & Finance module shared her experience, "My general experience was nice. Lot of these things you do not learn at school. I learned a lot about saving and budgeting, elevator pitches, etc."

This reflects the commitment of our facilitators to make learning accessible and enjoyable.

 

A Balance of Professionalism and Connection

Another student, Jason Romero, pointed out, "Yeah, you kept it very professional but made us feel comfortable with jokes and relating to us, so thank you." Striking this balance between professionalism and relatability is crucial in making the learning experience enjoyable and memorable.

 

 

The Youth Have Spoken

Our students' feedback serves as a testament to the success of our programs and the impact they have on young lives. We are proud to provide a platform where youth can not only learn but also be heard.

 

 

Highlights of the Symposium

In the dynamic world of Marketing 101, students embarked on a thrilling journey as they delved into the realm of marketing solutions. Their mission: to create and present ingenious marketing strategies as if they were addressing the illustrious board members of renowned companies such as Tesla and McGraw Hill. 

One standout presentation came from the group focused on Tesla, an electrifying company that has revolutionized the automotive industry. The students began their pitch with a captivating exploration of Tesla's fascinating history, tracing its path from a visionary startup to a global force of innovation. But the heart of their presentation lay in addressing the very real challenges Tesla faces in today's competitive market. With unwavering confidence, the students outlined these challenges, providing a detailed analysis of the obstacles that stand in the way of Tesla's continued success. 

The true brilliance of their presentation, however, shone in the innovative solutions they proposed. With a blend of creativity and strategic thinking, they unveiled a roadmap for Tesla's future growth and prosperity. Their proposals weren't mere ideas; they were well-researched, data-driven strategies designed to address market dynamics head-on. 

As the students spoke, their passion for Tesla's mission and their dedication to finding solutions were palpable. It was a testament to the power of education and the potential of the next generation of marketers. 

In the end, the Marketing 101 class didn't just present marketing solutions; they showcased the boundless creativity and problem-solving skills that are shaping the future of business. With companies like Tesla and McGraw Hill as their canvas, these students are on a path to transform industries and make their mark on the world of marketing. Watch out for these future leaders; they're destined to leave an indelible imprint on the business landscape. 

 

Join Us in Empowering Youth

If you're passionate about empowering youth and giving them a voice, we invite you to visit our website to learn more about our mission and initiatives.

At Dignity of Children®, we believe in the power of youth to shape a better future. Join us in amplifying their voices and nurturing their potential.

 

Explore and learn more about our PBL curricula HERE.

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