
Commit to Quality Youth Development Practice
YDRC Network Meetings
The YDRC offers free monthly meetings open to all youth development professionals who are interested in networking with their peers, connecting with local resources, and learning how to improve program quality.
Professional Development Workshops and Summits
The YRDC hosts summits and workshops throughout the year focusing on professional skill-building and quality improvement training. Open to all youth development professionals.
GET ON THE MAP — PROMOTE YOUR PROGRAMS
YDRC launched Discover Your Spark to highlight the importance of year-round, out-of-school-time resources and help parents and caregivers connect to local programs. Through DiscoverYourSpark.org and its summer companion effort SummerSparkSEM.org, parents can search for afterschool and summer programs across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Email info@detroitydrc.org to be added to the Program Finder!
Please share DiscoverYourSpark.org and this flyer with parents looking for quality youth programs.
Discover Your Spark is promoted to families in Detroit thanks to generous support from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan and The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.
Quality Standards for Youth Development Programs
The YDRC, alongside a network of Detroit youth and youth development professionals, developed common quality standards based on best practices and the voices of youth and program providers. Youth-serving organizations in the Detroit area are using these quality standards for continuous program improvement, creating goals for high-quality youth development programs across the provider network. This resource includes:
- 5 Ways to Use the Program Standards to improve program quality
- Program Quality Practices from building a safe environment to developing positive relationships
- Management Practices from intentional program design to championing diversity and inclusion
- Program Improvement Plan worksheet for provider’s internal use