Youth Engagement Update
Why Investing in Youth Improves Economic Development
Here are just three examples of how investing in young people can positively impact your economic development outcomes:
  • Youth are a spark of entrepreneurial energy that communities need to get up on their feet and forge ahead, renewing optimism and energy among adult leaders as well.
  • Many young people have technology skills that can help local businesses compete more effectively in our increasingly networked economy. They may also start new businesses that use technology as a backbone for bringing new wealth and jobs to your community. Read about a high school senior who is helping to fill his community high school's technology needs as well as building his town a new website.
  • Each alum a community attracts home has a potential impact of bringing three or more as these young adults get married and have children. Newcomers can have similar impacts, especially if they are invited to become involved in your community.
Youth engagement done properly will help you focus your economic development priorities for long-term impact and growth. A key first step is an assessment of youth perspectives about their community and their motivations to stay or return in the future. Here's an example of such an assessment.

 
Send me an email and let's talk more about how to engage young people to grow your community or to get started on your own community assessment!

Craig Schroeder, Senior Fellow
New Generations Partnerships
craige2mail@gmail.com
 
Other Youth Engagement and People Attraction News 

Erik Pages, President of EntreWorks Consulting, and Senior Fellow with the Center, focuses his January newsletter on the critically important topic of youth engagement. Erik makes a compelling case for a sharp focus on new generations and points to a number of good resources. The Center has had a youth focus since its beginning, including HomeTown Competitiveness® and New Generation Partnerships. Check out Erik's newsletter and if you want to know more about the Center's work, contact Craig Schroeder or  Deb Markley.


Check out what communities in Kansas are doing to engage youth in this news story about NetWork Kansas' Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. For more information on the challenge, visit NetWork Kansas.
Center for Rural Entrepreneurship | (402) 323-7336 | info@e2mail.org 
energizingentrepreneurs.org
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