CALL TO ACTION FOR YOUTH
OVERVIEW
For our youth the future is now.
The Foundation's Call to Action (CTA) for Schenectady’s Youth is mobilizing a community-wide effort to support the success of Schenectady’s underserved young people. Too many of our children and teens are growing up hindered by the inequities and trauma imposed by poverty and racism. The impact of these obstacles is reflected by a host of factors, such as limited education and employment, teen pregnancy and involvement in the criminal justice system. Yet, we also see young people who, despite significant barriers, succeed with the right guidance, support and influence from caring adults.
The Call to Action is gaining momentum. Since its launch in the summer of 2015, the Foundation has invested $1.8 million, in 22 programs, to improve and sustain outstanding youth programs.
The Call to Action for Youth addresses three priorities...
Priority One:
MENTORS & ADULT ALLIES
Double the number of mentors and "Youth Allies" matched with Schenectady youth.
Priority Two:
EMPLOYMENT & SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Create 500 work experiences for youth: Employment, Internships, and Job Shadowing
Priority Three:
LEADERSHIP & CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
Dramatically increase the number of youth involved in leadership and civic duties.
"It's critical we have intentional strategies to assist the youth and families in our community that need us most. We are proud to be part of this Call to Action because critical needs and solutions are being identified and implemented with young people at the table."
-- Shane Bargy, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady
WHY IT MATTERS
Challenges for our youth show up in high school graduation rates, involvement with criminal justice, teen pregnancy, and lack of career or higher educational opportunities. If we do not more effectively connect with disengaged youth now, the likelihood of their future success is greatly diminished. Without education or job skills our youth will be unable to take full advantage of the employment, social, and personal advancement opportunities in our community and region.
Our Pledge
Schenectady values, respects, and honors our youths, advancing their positive development, well-being, and achievement through a collaborative and supportive system of adults organized and trained to help them realize their potential.
We are committed to the Call to Action for the long-term, and will work actively and in earnest to incorporate the Ten Call to Action Principles in our daily interaction with the youth in our programs, in our schools, and in our community.
We urge all members and sectors of the community to respond to the urgent Call to Action for Schenectady’s Youth.
Download the Call to Action for Youth Ten Principles
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Call to Action for Youth (CTA) obliges all members and sectors of our community to embrace the principles of the CTA Vision and to imbed them in our individual, organizational, and programmatic endeavors to support the achievements of our young community members.
Join the Call to Action
Add your name to the growing list of businesses, organizations, and individuals who are committed to the Call to Action! By joining the Call to Action, you pledge to work actively and in earnest to incorporate the Call to Action Principles in your daily interactions with youth in our programs, in our schools, and in the community. Join the Call to Action!
DONATE
The Call to Action for Youth is a long-term commitment to our young people. Answer the Call to Action with a donation today!
The Schenectady Foundation will match your contribution to the Call to Action for Youth dollar for dollar up to cumulative community donations of $250,000.
