When parents think of back to school, they often think of report cards, parent-teacher conferences and other academic aspects of school. They may not realize that the social aspects, like making friends and joining clubs, are just as important to their child’s development.
North Star Youth Partnership (NSYP), a program of Catholic Charities, strives to go beyond just academics and teach youth to be self-confident and make good choices. Since 1997, the program has been engaging youth ages 11-18 in educational, recreational, leadership and service-learning opportunities.
Helping Youth Be Active Members of Their Community
NSYP offers over 10 programs to get youth involved. In Peer Assistance & Leadership (PAL), teens learn skills through peer helping, leadership, mentoring, conflict resolution and community service. PAL also addresses issues such as violence in schools, substance abuse, teen pregnancy and dropping out of school.
Youth Task Force is another way for teens to contribute to their schools and communities. Students in grades eight through 12 develop social media campaigns and events educating about teen pregnancy and other risk-taking behaviors.
NSYP lets teens take the lead when it comes to mentorship. Girl Talk provides an opportunity for high school girls to act as mentors to middle school girls. It’s a safe space where they can learn new skills, participate in games and crafts projects and make new friends.
Creating a Bright Future with Teens’ Closet
Although back to school is an exciting time for most, it can be stressful for low-income families, foster youth and those experiencing homelessness. North Star Youth Partnership makes sure that students come to school looking and feeling their best.
Teens’ Closet in Prescott, Ariz. provides free clothing, hygiene kits and backpacks to youth in financial need. Teens ages 13-19 can shop by appointment every other month for stylish, trendy clothes. Teens’ Closet also offers resources and referrals to help them find jobs, apply for college and improve their grades.
Bringing Youth Together Through Educational Events
Participation in extracurricular activities helps youth develop skills and relationships. That’s why NSYP offers fun, engaging events throughout the year.
In September, the program hosts its annual Girls & Sports Day, where girls ages 7-14 can try a variety of sports and are empowered to make positive and healthy choices. This year, the event will be held on September 21, 2024 at the James Family Prescott YMCA.
NSYP also organizes an annual event called Teen Maze. Teen Maze is a nationally recognized, interactive life-size game board to help middle and high school students understand the consequences of life choices. Teens learn about body image, teen pregnancy/parenting, depression, relationships, substance abuse, and abstinence from risk-taking behaviors. Teen Maze will take place October 16-18, 2024 in Prescott, Ariz.
Support North Star Youth Partnership
If you’d like to support students and families in need this back-to-school season, donating items through our Amazon Charity List is an easy way to help. The items on the list go to Teens’ Closet, our afterschool programs and our Giving Closets at four school sites in Maricopa County.
