Youth Input
Here are the expanded summary comments from more than 70 youth participants in 14 focus groups conducted by trained youth facilitators in Spring 2004.
Comments about Learning
- School counselors are always too busy
- Youth praised teachers that focused on them and let them explore their learning styles and complained about teachers that are rigid
- Youth stated there is too much standardized testing
- There are some good programs for youth (e.g. college and career centers, GEAR UP, AVID, RACK, American Youth Works and Goodwill)
- Some youth expressed not feeling safe or
completely
safe in school - School is boring
Comments about Working
- Almost everyone wants a job and had looked for one
- Youth want programs that will train and place them in jobs
- Some youth work to support their families
- College and career fairs are helpful for some youth
- Youth felt that school does not help them find a job
- Summer Youth Employment and WorkSource were mentioned, but did not think the programs were well advertised
Comments about Health (Physical and Mental)
- There are not enough comprehensive mental and physical health services available to youth
- The services that do exist can be hard to find out about or utilize
- CIS, Planned Parenthood, and Medicaid are sources of health services for some youth.
- School counselors do not have time for students
Comments about Leading
- Youth involvement is wide ranging; some volunteered frequently, others were court ordered, and some did not volunteer at all
- Youth volunteered at the Humane Society, rallies, speeches, soup kitchens, elementary schools, and nursing homes, among other locations
- Youth wanted more positive role models
- Youth wanted more opportunities for volunteering
Summary Comments on Most Important Needs
- Need more safe places to hang out- skate parks, amusement parks, updated parks and recreation centers
- Want job training and placement
- Want to learn and have opportunities to engage in community service.
- Affordable health care is needed
- Youth want rules fairly enforced
- Make Austin more affordable to youth (discount cards and passes)