Young People Lead

Our Approach to Youth-Led Learning

Research shows youth of color disproportionately attend schools that focus on developing basic reading and math skills and do not prepare them with the 21st century problem-solving skills to succeed in our innovation economy, where the biggest predictor of success is their decision-making ability. Through Young People Lead (YPL), MindCatcher works with school communities to reimagine the student experience by shifting the power of deciding how and what youth learn to youth. YPL’s whole school approach to youth-led learning grounds all facets of the school community – youth, educators, families – in mindsets and practices that support robust youth decision-making.

Currently, YPL partners with middle schools in MindCatcher’s network to transition their school community mindset, practices and systems to youth-led learning over 3 years.

The impact of a Youth-Led Learning Model within a school community.

Program Overview

Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Post-YPL

Laying the Groundwork

First, MindCatcher works with school teams to identify opportunities for Youth Led Learning within existing school systems and structures utilizing our Youth Engagement Spectrum (YES) framework. We then partner with the school community to co-design Youth Led Learning experiences aligned with site priorities. Key supports include:

One day school-wide professional development* on Youth Led Learning
Monthly professional development* with YPL cohort sites
Weekly check-ins with YPL Site Champion
Quarterly site visits with MindCatcher team
Cross-site visits hosted by YPL-cohort sites

*Professional Development is anchored in MindCatcher’s Youth Engagement Spectrum (YES) framework

Build Systems; Expand Reach

Phase II builds upon learnings from Phase I and allows school sites to begin the school year with more systems and structures for Youth Led Learning. The professional development and partnership with MindCatcher continues to support the evolution and expansion of the systems and structures through the key supports outlined in Phase I. Outcomes for this phase include:

Implementation of Youth Led Learning Structures & Priorities
Solicitation of feedback and engagement of educators and youth
Expansion of Phase I work to whole school

Integrate Whole School Community

Phase III continues to build upon learnings from prior phases and fully integrates the whole school community, including families and community partners. Outcomes for this phase include:

Ongoing use of YES Framework
Implementation of evaluation rubrics and assessments
Deep engagement with YES Framework with Families and Community Partners

Ongoing Sustainability

Educators attend convenings and workshops or engage in cross-site collaborations to support deeper youth-led learning implementation.

Interested?
Speak with a MindCatcher team member to learn more!