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Creating Youth Opportunities Webinar Series

April 22, May 15, June 18 | 3:00 p.m. ET

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Creating Youth Opportunities Webinar Series

Since 2022, the Urban Libraries Council has proudly led the Creating Youth Opportunities Initiative, a program that directly supports the capacity of 11 participating libraries to serve a total of 222 communities and reach more than 411,000 opportunity youth. ULC supports and encourages these libraries to engage with youth in authentically-designed and localized programming, from the program design stage through execution.

Join us for an engaging three-part webinar series designed to empower every member of your library team—from front-line staff to executive leaders—to better support opportunity youth in your community. This series brings together experienced library leaders and innovators who share real-world examples and actionable strategies tailored to the unique needs of vulnerable teens.

This series emphasizes the vital role that libraries play in community support by integrating scientific insights, community engagement, and evidence-based programming. Whether you work directly with patrons or help shape strategic initiatives, these webinars will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make a lasting impact on the lives of opportunity youth.

Note: This webinar series is meant to be taken as your interests align. Feel free to join all meetings or select those meetings that will be most relevant to you. Please be sure to register for each session individually.

See session descriptions and registration information below.

Creating Youth Opportunities Webinar Series: Session Descriptions and Registration Links

Please be sure to register for each session you wish to attend individually.

Teen Brain Development: How Libraries Can Better Serve Teens Through Understanding | Tuesday, April 22 at 3 p.m. ET

Teen Brain Development: How Libraries Can Better Serve Teens Through Understanding
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET

Adolescence is a time of rapid cognitive and emotional growth, yet many library policies and practices are not responsive to the root causes of teen behavior. This webinar will explore the latest research on teen brain development and how libraries can use this knowledge to create more supportive and effective programs and services for young people.

Dr. Kimberly P. Garza, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Public Health at Roanoke College, will provide an overview of key insights into adolescent brain development. Michelle Hamiel, Chief of Programs at the Urban Libraries Council, will join Dr. Garza to discuss common biases against teens and how libraries can shift their approach to better engage and empower them. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.

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Opportunity Youth: Understanding Our Communities’ Most Vulnerable Teens and How Libraries Can Serve Them | Thursday, May 15 at 3 p.m. ET

Opportunity Youth: Understanding Our Communities’ Most Vulnerable Teens and How Libraries Can Serve Them
Thursday, May 15, 2025 | 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET

Opportunity youth—defined as young people ages 16-24 who are not in school or employed—face unique challenges that can limit their economic mobility and future success. Libraries are well-positioned to provide meaningful support, yet many struggle to effectively engage and serve this population.

This webinar will provide an in-depth look at opportunity youth, their experiences, and the barriers they face. A foundational presentation will explore who opportunity youth are and why they often remain disconnected from traditional support systems. A second presentation will introduce a long-term program framework that libraries can use to build sustainable, impactful services for these young people. The session will conclude with a discussion and Q&A.

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Creating Youth Opportunities: Library Programs that Help Build Economic Mobility for Youth | Wednesday, June 18 at 3 p.m. ET

Creating Youth Opportunities: Library Programs that Help Build Economic Mobility for Youth
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 | 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET

Libraries across the country are developing innovative programs to support opportunity youth, or young people ages 16-24 who are not in school or employed. In this webinar, member libraries from ULC’s Creating Youth Opportunities cohort will share their experiences designing and implementing library services that meet the needs of this often overlooked population.

Through real-world examples, speakers will highlight successful strategies, key challenges, and lessons learned in building meaningful partnerships and sustainable programs in libraries. Attendees will gain practical insights into how libraries can play a vital role in expanding educational and economic opportunities for opportunity youth. The session will conclude with an interactive discussion and Q&A.

Register Now