The Youth Development and Social Justice program focuses on the promotion of positive youth development within the context of social justice. The YDSJ framework views young people as assets and active change agents with the capacity to transform their communities for the better.
The program provides an overview of the interconnectedness between youth development and youth resistance to social injustice. Students in the YDSJ minor will: 1) analyze issues of equity and oppression in relation to youth development, 2) work directly with youth in the community, and 3) apply theory to practice to build on the strengths of communities and youth.
The program is experiential in nature and students learn by doing in youth-led workshops and community settings. Students will acquire tools to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, develop creative mindsets, as well as greater persistence and communication skills – valuable assets that employers seek.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You are interested in youth empowerment and social change
- You want to study big questions, such as such as what does equitable education look like and how does youth organizing translate to social policy
- You want to make a difference in the lives of youth and communities
- You want to learn about the impact of discrimination and oppression on youth development
- You want to pursue a career in behavioral health, social work, education, advocacy, nonprofit administration, community development, public policy, community organizing, or criminal justice.

