From Lincoln to Valentine, Youth Voice Shapes Local Afterschool Programs in Nebraska

Created to amplify youth voice in afterschool and summer programs throughout Nebraska, the Beyond School Bells (BSB) Youth Leadership Council (YLC) recently wrapped its second cohort. Comprising of bright minds, determined personalities, and those passionate about the impact that afterschool programs play in their communities, YLC provides youth with the opportunity to create meaningful change in their afterschool programs.

The council consists of Nebraska high school students who currently work in their local afterschool programs and/or have been significantly impacted by afterschool programming. As part of the semester-long experience, council members create and propose projects to enhance aspects of their afterschool programs or address unmet needs within their afterschool communities.

With the spring semester now underway, students will begin working on these projects in their communities with support from local afterschool professionals and the Beyond School Bells team.

Lifting up the voices of young adults and families with personal experience is a central idea for all of our initiatives at Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. We believe you can’t improve systems and programs without listening to the people involved in those programs.

Meet the 2023 Fall Youth Leadership Council Members:

From Lincoln to Valentine, the members of the 2023 Fall YLC each bring a unique vision and commitment to making a difference in the afterschool programs in their communities. Their projects show the potential for youth voice to shape, inspire, and elevate afterschool programs in Nebraska.

Amanda G.
Pius X High School, Lincoln
Afterschool Involvement: Math Counts, Quiz Bowl, Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew 2022
YLC Project: Supportin’ By Promotin’

Amanda recognized a gap in awareness and resources within afterschool programs in private schools. Her initiative, “Supportin’ by Promotin’,” seeks to address this gap by producing videos that highlight the positive impact of afterschool programs for private school students. These videos intend to raise awareness about existing afterschool opportunities and underscore their significance. The videos will be shared with decision-makers to advocate for the continuation and expansion of afterschool activities, clubs, and programs for private school students.   

Bella R.
Valentine High School, Valentine
Afterschool Involvement: High School Support Staff for Valentine’s Badger Cub Club
YLC Project: Badger Cub Dens

Centered on cultivating relationships, Bella’s project, “Fostering Friendships Across Grades,” dedicates specific time for students from various grades, who might not typically engage during regular school hours, to collaborate and get to know one another. This dedicated time for connection aims to nurture a sense of community within the afterschool program.

Caitlynn A.
Lincoln High School, Lincoln
Afterschool Involvement: Girls Inc., Eureka!, The Career Academy, Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew 2023
YLC Project: Incorporating Innovative STEM

Caitlynn’s project aims to provide afterschool staff with unique, inexpensive STEM activities tailored to specific age ranges, skill levels, and complexities, moving beyond conventional activities like marshmallow and toothpick bridges. She plans to create an online resource with lessons and professional development tips that can be shared with afterschool programs across the state.

Lena K.
Lincoln North Star High School, Lincoln
Afterschool Involvement: Program Support at Campbell Elementary School
YLC Project: Bridging the Gaps

Lena’s project, a monthly newsletter for parents and teachers about Campbell’s afterschool program, aims to increase awareness about the great activities and clubs taking place each day after school hours. The goal is to integrate afterschool programs more seamlessly into the community, reducing communication gaps between teachers, families, and afterschool programming.

Lillian E.
Oakland-Craig High School, Oakland-Craig
Afterschool Involvement: Staff member at Bright Knights Afterschool Program
YLC Project: Recruiting Professional Staff

Observing how a staffing shortage impacts afterschool clubs, Lillian’s project centers on staff and volunteer recruitment. With more staff in the program, there will be additional capacity to provide quality clubs and activities for students. Her approach includes a social media campaign targeted to current and retired teachers.

Looking Ahead: Youth Leadership Council

Stay up-to-date on the Youth Leadership Council by visiting the Beyond School Bells website. You will find information about eligibility, project proposals, project implementation, as well as profiles on council members.

About Beyond School Bells (BSB)

Beyond School Bells, an initiative of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, is a statewide public-private partnership that supports sustainable, high-quality, school-community collaborations that provide youth with what they need to be successful in school and in life. These collaborations provide kids access to areas of learning they may never experience, including hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities. Through the process, participants exhibit increased school attendance, positive behavior and improved academic performance. Visit the Beyond School Bells website.