The YOUTH Program (formerly known as the Rural Roots Youth Initiative) is a year-round youth development program currently serving young people in South Carolina and Pennsylvania. The program creates meaningful opportunities for youth to explore their interests, strengthen life and leadership skills, experience new cultures and communities, prepare for future careers, and become active participants in the communities around them.

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Through a flexible combination of in-person experiences, virtual workshops, signature events, cultural activities, leadership opportunities, financial education, and community-based programming, youth can participate in experiences that align with their age, interests, needs, and stage of development.

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At the heart of the program is YOUTH — Youth Opportunities for Unity, Training, & Hope. These four principles guide the experiences we create:

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Opportunities: Expose youth to careers, education, leadership, financial literacy, travel, and experiences that broaden what they believe is possible.

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Unity: Creates opportunities for young people from different communities, backgrounds, and states to connect, learn from one another, develop cultural awareness, and understand the value of community.

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Training: Equips youth with practical skills for life, leadership, career readiness, financial decision-making, communication, personal development, and community engagement.

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Hope: Encourages young people to develop confidence, envision their future, recognize their potential, and understand that their circumstances do not have to determine where they are going.

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Every YOUTH experience is intentionally designed around the core pillars of Career Exploration, Personal Development, Cultural Awareness, and Community Development, creating multiple pathways for young people to explore, connect, grow, and lead.