BYEN achieves its mission by:
Convening: for engaged leadership and a common vision http://deportivasapuestaschile.cl/
Connecting: to coordinate training, align services, increase capacity
Sustaining: to develop resources and public awareness
Measuring and evaluating: for quality and impact
To share resources and build capacity:
- Get Out and Learn(G.O.A.L.)
In the Spring of 2009 BYEN launched its G.O.A.L. Program to create a system for Boston Public School(BPS) teachers and environmental education organizations to partner and get BPS students out doors and learn science. Click here to learn more about the G.O.A.L. Program.
- Everyday Explorers Americorps Program
From 2010 to 2013, through Boston After School & Beyond’s participation in the Collaborative for Building After School Systems www.deportivasapuestaschile.cl/ (CBASS), BYEN coordinated the expansion of the Noyce Foundation-funded, New York City-based Frontiers in Urban Science Exploration (FUSE) program to Boston. Everyday Explorers enhanced science learning in after school programs throughout Boston with assistance from AmeriCorps members trained in hands-on Environmental Education. Learn more here.
- Green Teens City-Wide Initiative
In the summer of 2009 BYEN acted as the coordinator of a collaborative effort that increased the amount of green jobs available to Boston’s youth by roughly 22% (135 more youth jobs).
To build the community of practice:
- BYEN Supervisor Training Institute
Since 2008 BYEN has provided this spring training opportunity to network members to prepare their employees to supervise youth. The content of this training was developed through a multi-year collaborative process with input directly from member organizaiton leadership and direct service staff, training graduates and previous Boston environmental employment program participants http://www.deportivasapuestaschile.cl. The BYEN Supervisor Training Institute is co-coordinated with Health Resource In Action’s BEST Initiative.
- Program Manager Workshop Series
A serieis of training opportunities geared towards year round staff managing environmental youth employment programs and driving the use of best practices forward.
To strengthen Boston’s Pathway of Environmental Learning:
- The 180: Youth United for the Environmental Turnaround
Since the summer of 2008 BYEN has been bringing young people working in the environmental jobs together to build relationships, share, inspire each other and find ways to work together. In July of 2011 a little more than 200 youth and their supervisors came together from 19 different organizations and companies and for some it was the highlight of their summer!
- Pathway of Environmental Learning Inventory Project
BYEN, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service (USFS), is currently working on a project to conduct a comprehensive inventory of Boston’s environmental education in-school, out-of-school, and youth employment programs serving youth K-16 and identify post secondary programs along stewardship/conservation, water systems, weatherization, and community action industries career ladders. The outcome of this project will make environmental education, employment programs, and open space/park stewardship career options clearer to those working with youth, youth and parents.
Click here to learn more about and complete the BYEN Environmental Education & Youth Employment survey.
- Environmental Career Exploration Conference
At BYEN’s first Environmental Career Exploration Conference, part of BLS YouthCAN’s Summit, over 30 environmental professionals from companies, non-profits and government agencies spoke directly to young people about what they do, the education and skills required in their fields, and more. Professionals were from the conservation, clean energy and community action industries. See the list of those represented at BYEN’s first Environmental Career Exploration Conference in April of 202 here.
Twenty professionals participated in BYEN’s second conference that was part of The 180 on in July of 2012.
What BYEN Offers as part of its Youth Employment Work:
Youth Networking & Career Exploration
Citywide Youth Council – See News & Events page for the schedule.
Summer Youth Summit – The 180°: Youth United for the Environmental Turnaround
Environmental Career Exploration Conference
3-day Youth Environmental Leadership Institute (YELI) August 2012
Professional Development
Supervisor Training Institute
Mid Summer Supervisor Dinner
Program Manager Workshop Series
Collaborative Initiatives
Green Teens Citywide Initiative (2009)
DCR Statewide Urban Youth Park Stewardship Initiative(2012)
Clean Energy Pipeline Initiative (2012 – 2013)