Details for Youth in Governance

Faculty:	Wells, Kendra
Department:	Government and Politics
Lab:	Maryland Cooperative Extension
Campus Phone:	301-314-7317
Campus Address:	Maryland 4H Center 8020 Greenmead Drive
Email:	klwells@umd.edu
Project Details: This project focuses on Youth in Governance (the authentic and meaningful engagement of young people in programs, organizations, and communities, where they have or share voice, influence, and decision-making authority). There are two primary research questions to be investigated: 1. What does the research tell us about best practices of youth in governance? 2. How and where can organizations make changes that will enable them to operate within a Youth in Governance approach? The project can provide opportunity for collection and categorization of data from literature related to youth citizenship, leadership and civic participation, survey development, data collection and analysis resulting in baseline information for the development of non-formal educational programs for middle and high school youth that support Youth in Governance initiatives. Opportunity for writing grant proposals to support the work.
Required Skills:	Basic research skills, oral communication skills. Willingness to make contacts with a broad range of community organizations.
Recommended Skills:	Interest in youth development, citizenship, youth as decision-makers. Ability to write clearly.
Other Information:	The Maryland 4H Center is located just off Metzerott Road on Greenmead Drive. Access to transportation to the office site helpful but not required. There are UM Shuttle and Metro Bus stops nearby.