The issue…

Museums and science centers have the potential to provide exciting and memorable working and learning opportunities to adolescents. An opportunity exists for such institutions to increase their ties to communities and provide benefits to youth if the feasibility and sustainability of such programming can be demonstrated.

The response…

In 1991, The Wallace Foundation launched YouthALIVE! to help establish and support adolescent programs in science and children’s museums that provide positive, hands-on work and learning opportunities for youth aged 10-17. The initiative targeted facilities that had significant resources and programming experience or that were developing successful, comprehensive programs for youth, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

The strategies…

Through 1999, the Foundation awarded 132 YouthALIVE! grants totaling nearly $14 million to science centers, technology centers, children’s museums, zoos, aquariums, planetariums and botanical gardens to support and develop youth programs. Programs have offered a variety of experiences, including summer camps, after-school programs, and a range work opportunities including teaching youth to serve as docents.

The accomplishments…

An evaluation of YouthALIVE! by COSMOS Corporation in 2000 concluded that:

• Participation had a significant positive impact on youth outcomes such as school attendance, demonstration of technical skills and career aspirations;
• About 75 percent of participating institutions indicated they are likely to sustain youth programming beyond the life of the grants. The institutions reported a variety of benefits, including increased cultural sensitivity among staff, an expanded base of potential fundraising sponsors, and increased integration of the institution with the local community.