Building Blocks
The Casey Foundation's approach to authentic youth engagement includes four components: 1) youth-adult partnerships; 2) preparation; 3) opportunity; and 4) support.
This guide explores authentic youth engagement, including how it benefits young people, why it works and what it looks like in real life.
Washington State University has released case studies and recommendations based on the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative®, which practices authentic youth engagement.
The practice of authentic youth engagement utilizes emerging research on adolescent brain development. It considers trauma’s impact on the brain, how the brain heals and the role that experiential learning plays in helping youth grow.