Making Summer Count

Youths’ Perceptions of Meaningfulness and Future Orientation in Summer Youth Employment Contexts

By Denise Jones, Zaida Pearson, Deanna C. E. Sinex, Jeremiah Nash, Aiwen Chen, & Dennis F. Jones

Summer is a unique time for students to extend the gains made during the school year by engaging in opportunities that support their growth and development. For younger teens, these opportunities may focus on developing relationships and competence; older youth may want to gain experience in the labor market (Afterschool Alliance, 2010).

Tags: Engagement, Middle and High School, Youth Development, Best Practices, Culture, Special Population, Interventions, Outcomes, Leadership, Social Emotional, Mentoring, Equity and Inclusion , CBO, Summer, Academic