Weekly Media Roundup: October 31, 2018

Atlanta Teens Survey Teens for Lights On Afterschool Event, Youth Today

To celebrate Lights On Afterschool, teens in Atlanta’s VOX Teen Communications afterschool program showcased their leadership skills by presenting the results of their survey of teens in their community. The survey focused on teens’ out-of-school time experiences and what makes them feel valued. More than one-third of those surveyed said they are interested in having ‘career-like experiences’ after school. “We like to get answers from the community about what they want from us,” Jasmine Martin, a member of the VOX Teen Communications board, told Youth Today.

Austin Businesses, Nonprofits Seek to Increase Number of Women in Tech Industry, Community Impact Newspaper (Texas)

The Girlstart afterschool program in Austin, Texas aims to increase the percentage of women entering technology careers by inspiring a love of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in elementary school girls. Students in the program gain access to mentors studying STEM at the University of Texas and hands-on STEM activities such as creating insulated cups. Evaluations indicate Girlstart participants are three times more likely to sign up for advanced science courses than other students. “If they opt into advanced math and science early, those doors will stay open longer for them,” Executive Director Tamara Hudgins told Community Impact Newspaper.

New High School Program Aims to Advance Student Athletes into College Careers, Action News Jax (Florida)

Student athletes in Jacksonville, Florida will benefit from a new afterschool program designed to help launch students’ college careers with sports. Supported by eight companies, the program will provide SAT and ACT preparation, support navigating the college recruitment process, and possibly sponsor internships. Forty high schools have signed up to participate so far. “Sometimes players are really talented athletically but struggle academically,” student Hollin Hakimian told Action News Jax. “But I feel like this program would help allow them to go to the next level by allowing them to excel in school like they do on the court, which would be super beneficial.”

DREAAM House Founder Aims to Create 'Culture of Young Learners,' The News-Gazette (Illinois)

In Illinois, Driven to Reach Excellence and Academic Achievement for Males (DREAAM) House builds pathways to college for more than 100 boys in kindergarten through sixth grade. The comprehensive mentorship organization provides afterschool and summer learning programs, Saturday sports activities, and parent workshops at four sites. Activities include homework help, STEM projects and life coaching. “I’ve watched several boys who have started the program and have just really grown in really positive ways,” Founder Tracy Dace told the News-Gazette. “I've seen their leadership skills increase and their ability to be a peer leader, expressing and exhibiting decision-making that's influenced other kids.”