PASE Network News

Earlier this year, the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup released new research from one of the largest national surveys tracking Gen Z's sentiments. The 2024 Voices of Gen Z study offers insights into Gen Z's views about their lives, schools, and future. The report not only identifies key trends in these areas, but also points towards how Gen Z participants are reimagining success as well as how we can better support them in achieving their goals and unlocking their full potential. The findings can be reviewed on an interactive webpage or through a PDF copy of the report. 

Temescal Associates and How Kids Learn Foundation recently released a briefing paper on workforce development in afterschool programs, highlighting ways that out-of-school time spaces can provide opportunities for youth to develop workforce skills, explore jobs and careers, and for older youth to work. The paper compiles and synthesizes multiple existing frameworks and resources, and defines key terms used at the intersection of youth development and workforce development. The piece also incorporates voices from the field as well as a case study of a Philadelphia-based program that has launched multiple unique and innovative workforce development initiatives. The full briefing paper can be read here. 

Interested in trends and promising practices in higher education attainment in New York City? The recently released learning brief, “Bold Solutions to Re-Engage,” by David Fischer of Altior Policy Solutions provides an in-depth exploration of the topic. This report examines the ongoing challenge of declining college enrollment, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a collaborative initiative between Petrie Foundation, The Heckscher Foundation for Children, and Ichigo Foundation, 14 grants were awarded to college and nonprofit organizations to address these issues. The brief highlights key learnings from these efforts and provides strategic insights for stakeholders focused on re-engaging young New Yorkers in higher education. Read the full report to explore these impactful solutions. 

Yesterday was International Self-Care Day – looking for ways to level up your understanding of and strategies for self-care? Temescal Associates and How Kids Learn Foundation recently released “Self-Care For Youth Workers,” a paper to raise understanding and awareness of the importance of self-care in afterschool programs. The paper provides definitions, shares a curated set of resources, and guides readers through crafting a self-care plan. This resource was designed with both organizational leaders (school leaders and staff, supervisors at the parent non-profit org, etc.) and program staff in mind, as they consider the best ways to promote self-care among youth worker staff. 

Earlier this year, Center for an Urban Future published a report entitled “Solving the Staffing Crisis Facing NYC’s Human Services Organizations.” Citing that the average human services nonprofit has more than 15 percent of its positions vacant, as well as unsustainably high levels of staff turnover, the report does a deep dive into this issue on a local level. The report examines the scope of the crisis, explores its impact on nonprofits and service delivery, highlights best practices within the local human services field, and ends with recommendations. Read the full report on the Center for an Urban Future website.