The Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP) has selected 8 Michigan youth, ages 13-17, to participate in the 2024 Youth Afterschool Ambassador program. The Youth Afterschool Ambassadors will participate in monthly meetings to learn the history and shape the future of Michigan's Out-of-School Time sector. The goal of the program is to develop advocacy skills, training ambassadors to share the need for greater access to programs in their community.
This year, the Youth Afterschool Ambassadors will host Legislative Visits within their own after-school program. Through education trainings and hearing from guest speakers on the process of local government and how to share their stories, the cohort will support statewide advocacy opportunities and uplift their peers to collectively advocate on key issues.
"Participating in my afterschool program has been a transformative experience, providing me meaningful connections, and a unique opportunity to contribute to biomedical research," said Kalel Garrett, Youth Afterschool Ambassador. "One of the most impactful experiences of C2 Pipeline was my introduction to the BCAP (Biomedical Career Advancement Program) which played a huge role in shaping my academic and personal growth. The BCAP program, at its core, is designed to expose students to the biomedical field by working with a mentor and creating a research project."
"The most meaningful thing in my afterschool program by far– is the staff. I really like that the staff from the program looks like me. It shows that a young black woman like myself can accomplish anything in the STEM field," shared Chyna Jackson, Youth Afterschool Ambassador. "The founder of STEM Greenhouse, Dr. Keli Christopher, raises a lot of money for us to do the things we do. It is really nice that this program is offered free of charge. In the past, we have been skating, to the movies, glow golfing, and even visited a college!"
"I’ve had a lot of meaningful experiences during my time after school. Through my afterschool program I've learned to cook, resolve conflicts better, to socialize more. I’ve also learned to work hard and prioritize my time correctly," said Sydney Reed, Youth Afterschool Ambassador.
This year's Youth Afterschool Ambassador cohort are brilliant young people and we are looking forward to all that they will accomplish this year!
