ARC's "Investing in Appalachia's Youth Conference"
I'll try to post some reports from the conference as soon as they become available.
Appalachian Regional Commission
http://www.arc.gov/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=482
Investing in Appalachia's Youth Conference
October 2014
An Appalachian Regional Commission Conference
Hosted by the State of Alabama
October 8-9, 2014
Marriott Shoals Hotel
Florence, Alabama
Many communities in Appalachia, especially those in rural areas, are facing the impacts of high rates of youth outmigration: the loss of potential workers, business owners, community leaders, and parents of the next generation. The Appalachian Regional Commission's October 2014 Investing in Appalachia's Youth conference focused on strategies communities can use to engage their young people and build a stronger future. Access to high-quality educational and employment opportunities are critical factors, but empowering young people to strengthen their involvement with the community is also key to success.
Conference sessions focused on critical strategies for reversing youth outmigration, including:
•Developing effective youth leadership programs that expose young people to community issues and teach leadership skills;
•Using new technology and media to reach and engage young residents;
•Empowering young people to serve their communities by becoming actively involved in current issues;
•Guiding students towards careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics;
•Incorporating entrepreneurial learning and support into all levels of the education system;
•Teaching business skills to young people in the creative sectors; and
•Creating communities young people will want to work and live in.
Complete agenda information is available in the conference program (PDF: 509 KB) and on the conference Web site. Presentation materials and videos from the conference will available on this page soon.