TOP 10 PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE, HIGH-QUALITY AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING

1. ALL OUR INSTRUCTORS ARE PROFESSIONAL ENTREPRENEURS, ARTISTS, ARTISANS, TEACHERS, BUSINESS GURU’S AND VALUED FOR THEIR EXPERTISE AND INVESTMENT IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

2. DIRECTORS & STAFF HAVE A PUBLIC COMMITMENT TO HIGH-QUALITY PROGRAMMING THAT IS SUPPORTED BY SUSTAINED ACTION AND OFFERS OUR STUDENTS REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES.

3. YI PROGRAMS TAKE PLACE IN OUR DEDICATED, INSPIRING, WELCOMING SPACES AND AFFIRM THE VALUE OF BOTH ARTISTS AND ENTREPRENEURS.

4. WE FOSTER A CULTURE OF HIGH EXPECTATIONS, RESPECT FOR CREATIVE EXPRESSION, EXPLORATION AND AN AFFIRMATION OF YOUTH PARTICIPANTS AS RESPONSIBLE YOUNG ADULTS.

5. YI PROGRAMS CULMINATE IN HIGH-QUALITY PUBLIC EVENTS WITH REAL AUDIENCES AND OUR STUDENTS ARE PAID REAL $ FOR THEIR ENTREPRENEURIAL ACHIEVEMENTS.

6. ABOVE ALL WE BELIEVE THAT A POSITIVE EQUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH ADULT MENTORS AND PEERS FOSTERS A SENSE OF BELONGING AND ACCEPTANCE.

7. OUR STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO AND ACTIVELY SHAPE PROGRAMS AND ASSUME MEANINGFUL LEADERSHIP ROLES.

8. YI PROGRAMS FOCUS ON HANDS-ON SKILL BUILDING USING CURRENT EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY.

9. PROGRAMS STRATEGICALLY ENGAGE KEY STAKEHOLDERS TO CREATE A NETWORK OF SUPPORT FOR BOTH YOUTH PARTICIPANTS AND THE PROGRAMS.

10. YOUTH INTERACTIVE PROVIDE A PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY SAFE PLACE FOR YOUTH.