Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELOs) throughout the state of Nebraska benefited from the inaugural semester of the Beyond School Bells (BSB) Youth Leadership Council (YLC).
The council was created to raise youth voice in the afterschool and summer education space in Nebraska, empower high school students to take a leadership role within their program, provide professional development to high school staff, and encourage them to consider education as a career pathway.
Council members were nominated through their work in these educational programs within their communities. These individuals have served as staff members within these programs and were nominated by a leader within the organization.
The following individuals participated in the Youth Leadership Council:
• Taylor Battershaw, Valentine
• Zanizeah Chavez, Mitchell
• Ava Dembowski, Omaha
• Kennedie Gibson, Alliance
• Haylee Jacobs, Mitchell
• Seth Jacobs, Mitchell
• Lily Krahulik, Mitchell
• Brena Melton, North Platte
• Rylan Miller, Broken Bow
• Cadence Phaby, Cozad
• Madison Rowley, Cozad
Through this semester-long experience, students brainstorm and propose ways to either improve upon an existing program or fill an unmet need within their afterschool community.
Project topics range from the addition of a life skills afterschool club to increased professional development opportunities for staff. Council members receive training and support throughout this experience so that their final projects include budgets, timelines, and anticipated barriers to implementation.
Participating afterschool programs include:
• Alliance Recreation Center
• Broken Bow Super Kids Club, Inc.
• Cozad Afterzone
• Mitchell Afterschool Program
• North Platte Kids Klub
• Omaha’s Prairie Lane Early Childhood Center
• Valentine Elementary After-School Program