Our Vision

How it works

• Youth Bill of Rights posted everywhere; consent-based participation; strengths-focused onboarding.
• Mentor training: trauma-awareness, person-first language, de-escalation, and reflective practice.
• Dignity checks: quick feedback prompts on respect, safety, and agency after every activity.

Milestones

• Publish Youth Bill of Rights & community agreements.
• Launch mentor micro-cert (online module + scenario drills).
• Add post-session feedback widget to the hub.

Signals of success

• High “felt respect & safety” ratings.
• Mentor recert completion & reflective notes logged.
• Return participation and referrals increase.

How it works

• Partner MOUs with community orgs, workforce boards, and youth programs in each state.
• “Alt-Opps Board”: a hub page listing apprenticeships, exchanges, remote collabs, and stipended challenges.
• Travel-light design: virtual options + micro-travel grants through partners when movement is critical.

Milestones

• Identify 1–2 anchor partners per state.
• Publish Alt-Opps Board with submission form & vetting flow.
• Run the first cross-state pilot challenge.

Signals of success

• Opportunities posted, claimed, and completed across states.
• Partner retention and new partner referrals.
• Participant mobility (virtual or physical) and outcomes.

How it works

• Short, outcome-backed tracks (tech, trades, arts, civic) with a project shipped at each step.
• Micro-credentials tied to real artifacts: code repos, builds, performances, service outcomes.

Milestones

• Publish the first 3 tracks with exemplar portfolios.
• Create a simple rubric for mentor assessment & feedback.
• Host a public showcase (virtual or hybrid).

Signals of success

• Completed projects per participant.
• Credential uptake and employer interest.
• Confidence/self-efficacy gains in quick surveys.

How it works

• Sprint cycles: problem framing → build → test → showcase → iterate.
• Micro-grants and materials; alumni + partner mentors as advisors.

Milestones

• Publish a sprint playbook and starter challenge bank.
• Run a multi-state “open brief” sprint with mixed teams.
• Document case studies on the site.

Signals of success

• Prototypes shipped and iterated.
• Partner adoption or pilot deployments.
• Repeat participation across sprint cycles.

How it works

• One-page pathway maps: goal → skills → opportunities → supports → milestones.
• Wraparound supports directory: tutoring, transport, devices, mental health, legal aid partners.

Milestones

• Publish the pathway template inside the hub.
• Onboard support partners and a request flow.
• First cohort completes a full pathway loop.

Signals of success

• Pathways created, updated, and completed.
• Support requests fulfilled & time-to-help reduced.
• Goal attainment and persistence across setbacks.

How it works

• LXP (learning experience) modules, mentor matching, opportunity board, progress tracking.
• Partner spaces as “nodes” (schools, community orgs) + virtual rooms for cross-state collab.

Milestones

• Release v1 of profiles, mentor match, and opp listings.
• Add progress pathways & portfolio galleries.
• Host a hybrid multi-node event through the hub.

Signals of success

• Active users, mentor matches, and completed modules.
• Cross-node collaborations formed and finished.
• Showcased portfolios leading to opportunities.

How it works

• Stipended challenges, paid apprenticeships, employer network, and hiring fairs.
• Community rituals (showcases, badges, alumni stories) to signal belonging and pride.

Milestones

• Secure employer partners & publish starter roles.
• Launch stipended sprint track with clear criteria.
• Stand up an alumni mentor circle.

Signals of success

• Stipends/apprenticeships awarded and completed.
• Placement rates and wage progression.
• Alumni participation and community events growth.