Mentors and passages: The power of teen-centric programs

We speak with Al Kurland, longtime leader of out-of-school-time programs in Upper Manhattan’s Washington Heights. Mr. Kurland founded youth  programs that help teens to “rewrite their stories” with the support of adult and peer mentors. He collaborated with other local youth organizations, creating a cluster of empowering and horizon-broadening experiences for students, helping many expand “tunnel vision.” Overview 00:00-00:39 Intros 00:39-04:50 Washington Heights community and its youth 04:50-09:05 What made programs successful 09:05-12:48 The Dreamers 12:48-15:15 Teens changing from fatalism to purpose 15:15-17:47 Teen-centric programming and its impact on young people 17:47-23:01 Increased isolation of teens in “modern” compared to traditional societies 23:01-27:38 Meaningful rites of passage 27:38-33:06 Storytelling, mentors, co-mentors 33:06-35:03 How schools can enhance adolescents’ sense of efficacy; action civics 35:03-39:35 Suggestions for starting a youth program 39:35- Outro Transcript Click here to see the full transcription of this episode.  References

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