The Global Empowerment of the Next Generation
Providing kids access to opportunities to experiment and learn, inviting youth to have a voice in decisions that determine their future, and giving support and guidance to build kids’ efficacy and confidence are allcomponents inherent in empowering youth. Fostering this environment sounds idyllic yet exposes challenges that require sacrifice, awareness of the true state of education in our nation, and compromising on previously held beliefs about the role of youth in society.
For students in the U.S. and across the world, a neighboring city or state can seem like a foreign country. Youth in Washington D.C. have access to a trove of local educational resources yet may live in families or attend schools that have never provided them the chance to explore places such as the Smithsonian museums. Horizons can be broadened and students inspired when individuals and organizations coordinate ways to leverage existing resources, integrate technology into education, provide online content such as free courseware, and create new learning tools.
Including organizations whose missions involve young education and empowerment in decision making is another step in building empowerment. Entrepreneurs and innovators should also be in the mix in order to rethink current methodologies and delivery systems. Providing a place at the table for people who work with youth and less obvious partners can provide enlightenment, perspective, and the inclusivity that is needed to collectively address these complex educational challenges.
Intersection Ideagen
14 Magazine / October 2014