Youth Engagement in the Time of Social Distancing 

Join the Pennsylvania Humanities Council Teen Reading Lounge network for an informative 90-minute conversation exploring how afterschool humanities programming for youth ages 12-18 is being impacted by the COVID-19/novel coronavirus outbreak.
 
Libraries, K-12 schools and many community centers serving youth and their families have been ordered to close. These closings result in an abrupt disruption in the afterschool opportunities young people have come to rely on for connection, comfort and learning. Where does that leave us? What are the opportunities to stay connected despite our mandate to maintain a social distance? What creative solutions are sites and staff coming up with across the state – and nationally – to stay connected?
 
Guest speakers will include:
Laura Saccente, Director, Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN)
Valerie Adams-Bass, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Education, University of Virginia
Corri Hines, School Age Services Advisor, Bureau of Library Development,
Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Pennsylvania Department of Education
 
We will speak with Laura, Valerie and Corri about best practices for staying connected, guidelines for virtual and other forms of communications with youth, and creative solutions for reaching youth and families that may not have robust technical resources.
 
We will also review local and national examples of virtual youth programs and youth engagement strategies. Ample time will be given to Q&A, discussion and sharing vital resources.
 
This opportunity is being provided in partnership with Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network and Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries. Any afterschool provider, library, school or community organization is welcome to join us regardless of involvement in Teen Reading Lounge.
 
There is no need to register in advance. To join us on April 2nd, click here.