- To enrich the lives of inner-city youth attending the Youth Impact program by providing research expertise and greater access to university resources, including the energy and creativity of enthusiastic WSU students
- To enhance the learning experiences of WSU students both in and out of the classroom in an effort to develop more civically minded graduates and professionals.
What started out at as a simple service-learning assignment for one class at WSU in 1998 has grown and expanded to become a campus-wide partnership with at-risk youth in inner-city Ogden, Utah. For more than a decade, over 1,400 Weber State students, faculty and staff have conducted research, developed programs and provided resources that have enriched the lives of area youth in the Youth Impact Program. You can too!
How to Get Involved in YIPP
Become a Mentor or Tutor
WSU students mentor Youth Impact participants while engaging in sports, arts and crafts, gardening, playing games, lifting weights, and going on field trips to WSU and local area historic sites and attractions. WSU students also provide tutoring and homework help in the study hall each day.
Work study positions are available at $8.50/hour for up to 20 hours a week for students who become mentors and/or tutors in the program.
Teach Social Skills
WSU students also teach Skillstreaming, a social skills curriculum, to Youth Impact participants. This is a fun interactive small group teaching and learning opportunity. Everyone can improve on social skills like introducing yourself, interrupting politely, apologizing, dealing with bullies, and starting and ending conversations. Curriculum and teaching tools are provided. All we need is you to get involved and facilitate the classes.
Start a Club
Take your hobbies and talents to the Youth Impact participants in the form of a club. Youth Impact has a wonderful facility with lots of space and opportunities for you to pursue your interests with their participants. WSU students have developed and facilitated book clubs, building model car clubs, cooking clubs, science clubs, health and nutrition club, and a hip hop club. Explore, share, and have fun running your own club.
Clubs can be run any day of the week during regular program operation hours. They are expected to be run on a consistent basis for a minimum of five sessions. You have flexibility in how often the club is offered. For example, clubs can be offered weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
Conduct Program Evaluation Research with and for Youth Impact
The Youth Impact Program Evaluation Research project was established in 2004 to evaluate the program’s impact on its participants in four outcome areas: academic performance, social skills, emotional well-being, and behavioral problems. This is a 20 year longitudinal study to identify strengths and weaknesses in the youth development program. Research findings are used to inform changes in the program and provide necessary data for grants.
WSU students construct and administer surveys, interviews, focus groups, etc. in order to collect data from program participants, staff, parents, and alumni. To learn how to do research that makes a real difference in your community enroll in Professor Brenda Kowalewski’s Community-Based Learning (CBL) designated Research Methods course (SOC 3660).
Enrolling in a Community-Based Learning (CBL) Designated Course
This is a great way to get involved in YIPP while earning college credit. The following CBL designated courses participate in YIPP:
CHF 2990B Family Studies Seminar; Instructor: Joyce Buck
CHF 4860 Practicum; Instructor: Joyce Buck
COMM 2110 Intro to Interpersonal and Small Group Communication; All Instructors
EDUC 4860 Elementary Senior Synthesis Seminar; All Instructors
ENGL 1010 Introductory College Writing; Instructor: Jan Hamer
ENGL 1010 Intermediate College Writing; Instructor: Victoria Ramirez
SOC 1020 Social Problems; Instructor: Brenda Kowalewski
SOC 3000 Social Psychology; Instructor: Brenda Kowalewski
SOC 3110 Sociology of Family; Instructor: Brenda Kowalewski
SOC 3660 Sociological Research; Instructor: Brenda Kowalewski
SOC 4120 Socialization Over the Life Course; Instructor: Brenda Kowalewski
SW 1010 Introduction to Generalist Social Work; All Instructors
Students participating in YIPP are required to complete the Preparing to Serve: Online Training Modules prior to serving at Youth Impact.
Students participating in any aspect of this partnership project may be eligible for AmeriCorps Education Award.
Youth Impact
Browning Jubilee Center
2305 Grant Ave.
Ogden, UT 84401
801-612-3001