University of Minnesota Extension Youth Development

08/19/2026

Jessica Russo shares how youth programs can provide teens with the rich experiences they need for healthy brain development

Youth programs can provide teens with the rich experiences they need for healthy brain development.

08/05/2026

August is a critical time for young people to turn summer experiences into aspirations. Jennifer Skuza, youth development department head and associate dean, shares insights on guiding this process.

07/30/2026

New research from the Afterschool Alliance shows that while many families want outdoor, screen-free enrichment activities, cost continues to be the biggest barrier to access.

06/17/2026

Extension Educator Savannah Scott outlines strategies for engaging homeschool co-ops to expand youth program reach and increase collaborative learning opportunities

Extension Educator Savannah Scott outlines strategies for engaging homeschool co-ops to expand youth program reach and increase collaborative learning opportunities.

05/06/2026

Dr. Jennifer Skuza, youth development department head and associate dean, reflects on the collaborative partnership work in Kenya that reshaped her team's understanding of youth development across contexts.

Jennifer Skuza, youth development department head and associate dean, reflects on the collaborative partnership work in Kenya that reshaped her team's understanding of youth development across contexts.

04/22/2026

Jeremy Freeman shares how volunteer managers need to look beyond their fixed menu of programming to serve up volunteer opportunities that accommodate different levels of commitment and interest, satisfying appetites of all sizes

Volunteer managers need to look beyond their fixed menu of programming to serve up volunteer opportunities that accommodate different levels of commitment and interest, satisfying appetites of all sizes.

04/14/2026

Welcoming new Youth Development staff to the St. Paul campus - Building towers that represent the systems and operations that support programs

04/02/2026

Alysa Tulibaski reminds us that wellbeing empowers youth development professionals to sustain their energy, prevent burnout and deliver high‑quality youth programs

Wellbeing empowers youth development professionals to sustain their energy, prevent burnout and deliver high‑quality programs that prepare youth for work and life.