YAN & UCSC RESEARCH
Youth Participatory Action Research (Y-PAR)
What is Y-PAR?
Youth Participatory Action Research (Y-PAR) trains young people to conduct research to improve the community and informs solutions to problems that are important to young people. Y-PAR centers youth's voices and experiences to empower them to learn and apply research to solve issues in their community. Similarly, the Community-Initiated Student-Engaged Research (CISER) approach offers creative ways to engage the community. The framework for both Y-PAR and CISER research models uphold the concept of valuing cultural capital and community contexts.
Youth Participatory Action Research (Y-PAR) trains young people to conduct research to improve the community and informs solutions to problems that are important to young people. Y-PAR centers youth's voices and experiences to empower them to learn and apply research to solve issues in their community. Similarly, the Community-Initiated Student-Engaged Research (CISER) approach offers creative ways to engage the community. The framework for both Y-PAR and CISER research models uphold the concept of valuing cultural capital and community contexts.
Our Y-PAR Project In our cohort, Youth, university faculty, and United Way staff collaborate to function as community researchers. Every Y-PAR Project is different--Youth led the decision making process in choosing to focus on immigrant safety. Together, the group participates in Saturday Sessions to discuss how immigrant safety acts as a key factor for mental health. Take a sneak peak into one of our sessions!! |
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Youth Research Council (YRC)
The Youth Research Council, comprised of young leaders from Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), guides our project by actively shaping agendas and determining the project's direction. Collaborating with UCSC professors, these empowered youth contribute a dynamic blend of expertise and lived experiences, ensuring our initiatives align with community needs.
Youth As Change Makers Survey
In collaboration with Professor Regina Langhout, we are in the process of developing the Youth as Change Makers survey, a pivotal tool designed to track the evolution of young people's self-perceptions as change makers throughout the Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project. This innovative survey not only serves as a measurement of the impactful changes generated by the project but also provides valuable insights into the developmental journey of youth participants. By capturing the transformative shifts in how young individuals view themselves as change agents, this survey will be instrumental in assessing the project's effectiveness in empowering and nurturing the next generation of community leaders.
Youth and Adult Partnerships (YAP) Survey
Youth and adult partnerships are fundamental aspects of fostering meaning within youth organizations. Collaborating with Professor Regina Langhout, we are crafting a comprehensive survey to be administered to both youth and adults in various youth organizations across the county. This survey serves as a vital tool to assess the needs and identify gaps within these organizations, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of youth and adult partnerships. By gauging the perspectives of both age groups, we aim to enhance communication, bridge generational gaps, and ultimately cultivate environments where young people feel valued and empowered within their communities. This collaborative effort reflects our commitment to nurturing effective relationships between youth and adults, ensuring that their voices are not only heard but also integral to the positive development of youth-serving organizations.