Why YCTC Exists
YCTC exists to engage the community in creating opportunities that enrich Harney County’s youth, providing skills and motivation to prepare them for the future, inspire self-worth, instill civic pride, and promote a positive work ethic. We believe in our young leaders and want to give them the support and encouragement they need to pursue their dreams and together, make the Harney County of tomorrow even better than it is today.
Participants at a GO-STEM learning event learning effective and helpful educational tools for field-based activities.
Guiding Goals
We believe in our youth and aspire to provide them with the support, opportunities, and encouragement to do great things with their lives. Our goals are inspired by five promises outlined by America's Promise Alliance. Partners are using this as a framework to guide our work in Harney County and invest in the success of our next generation.
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Safe Places
To develop intellectually and emotionally, young people need physical and psychological safety at home, at school and in the community. Without such “safe places”—environments that support and encourage inquiry, exploration, and play without fear of harm—children aren’t able to get support, form positive relationships and concentrate on school.
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Caring Adults
Caring adults are the centerpieces of children’s development. They serve as guides, caretakers and advisers, who give positive and productive guidance throughout their development.
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Healthy Start
Children grow and learn better when they are born healthy and practice healthy habits throughout childhood, including proper nutrition and exercise, and have access to high quality learning opportunities. Healthy and well-nourished children are more able to develop their minds and bodies as they should, and they are far more capable of concentrating, learning and thriving throughout their school years.
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Effective Education
Our increasingly knowledge-driven world demands people who have the education and skills to thrive in a competitive marketplace, and to understand the increasingly complex world in which they live. That means that in order to compete and succeed, all young people will need an effective education that prepares them for work and life.
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Opportunities To Give Back
Through service to others and community, young Americans develop the character and competence they need to be helpful, hopeful and civically engaged all their lives, regardless of their own life circumstances. The chance to give back teaches the value of service to others, the meaning of community, and the self-respect that comes from knowing that one has a contribution to make in the world.
