CHALK's Youth Development Definition
Created in Youth and Adult Partnership

It means to meet the needs of young people! We partner with youth to support, teach, train, educate, and prepare them for their future. We help build youth's skills, confidence, knowledge, and understanding of the work force. We DON'T see youth as problems, but we DO see youth as resources to other young people. We will utilize and build on the strengths of the young person to help them realize the assets they have to contribute. But most importantly, the young person MUST be open to this valuable experience.

We Develop Young People!!!

 

"It is no exaggeration at all for me to say that without the opportunities CHALK's program gave me, I would not be the same person--the daring and ambitious person Harvard saw and wanted. The summer before my senior year of high school, feeling stifled by my environment, I left for Europe a week before school ended and traveled for 2 1/2 months by myself with no more money than that which would've been allowed me if I were at home. This is the side of me that YFYI fostered and that Harvard sought--the daring individualist ready to take on the world. For this, I owe all my gratitude and so much more."

Tisa Vo
Freshman at Harvard University and former YFYI Program Officer