Time to Play Shebopoly

To prepare high school students for their Government Day field trip, Diana, with help from Emily, Kirtis, and Google Gemini, designed this game focused on Sheboygan County Government.  In this version, players are like County Department Heads, managing a budget. Sometimes they adjust for unexpected County Board decisions or pay in when state revenue is […]

Positive Youth Development with Young People in the Legal System

Sheboygan County has one of 13 county juvenile detention centers in the state for young people who are in trouble with the law. Recently completed national research shows that helping teens change their thinking can result in behavior change needed to stay out of the system. In particular, increasing self-control and self-efficacy are key to […]

Supporting Elementary Kids: Practical, Research‑Based Parenting Tools

Elementary‑age kids are growing fast, developing independence, and navigating big emotions. UW–Madison Extension offers practical, research‑based tools to help families guide cooperation, manage feelings, and build strong social skills. The site also includes resources for children with a parent in jail or prison, plus quick five‑minute parenting videos for busy caregivers. It’s a helpful hub […]

Youth-Adult Partnership Reflection Tool

When young people are given a meaningful role in their activities, they learn conflict resolution, communication, and responsibility. How much “say” do youth have in your organization’s programs? Are there ways that your organization’s priorities could be better met with some adjustments in how young people participate?  Use the questions in this reflection tool to […]

Training Pays Off in the Parlor and Your Pocket (Increase milk quality)

Dairy operations today depend on well trained employees to consistently produce high quality milk. Yet many farms face workforce challenges such as high turnover, language differences, limited formal education, and employees who are new to agriculture. These realities make structured, ongoing training not optional but essential. Clear expectations, repetition, and hands-on training and evaluation, directly […]

Are we just keeping them busy, or building leaders?

School clubs, sports, and internships are fun for kids and adults, but they are also powerful engines for learning other life and leadership skills. When young people are given a meaningful role in their activities, they learn conflict resolution, communication, and responsibility. How much “say” do youth have in your programs? Hart’s Ladder of Participation […]

“We’re expected to act like adults, but we’re treated like kids.”

“We’re expected to act like adults, but we’re treated like kids.” (South High Club Leader.) The Positive Youth Development Educator’s role is to make decision-making stronger by incorporating more young people into civic life. Do you have an organization that is working to benefit kids? Would your committee like its work to inspire young people? […]

Supporting Local Food Pantries

A number of studies have shown the association between food insecurity and chronic diseases, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Many of these chronic diseases are preventable with good nutrition and physical activity. Food banks play an important role in providing the food that families need. Healthy food donations include providing more fresh, […]