From the Director
It is a great privilege and a great adventure to serve as Director of this university-based, community focused enterprise and I invite you to explore and discover the people, projects and mission that make it so.
The mission driven work of the Center – preparing youth for education, work and life – has stayed relevant over the past nearly 30 years as the broad field of youth and community development grew from an “emerging field” to a “maturing profession.” Along the way, we have shaped policy and practice during six White House Administrations. With deep roots and a legacy of evaluation research and capacity building projects in youth employment, education, service learning, college access, citizen leadership and community youth development, the Center is well positioned to address the next generation of challenges – and they are great. The balance of this letter addresses some of the challenges and examples of innovating under pressure.
So, if you are a potential client scanning our website, dive into our archives and explore our people and projects to evaluate our qualifications and track record. If you are a student or applicant to one of our degree programs, check out our teaching faculty and staff. If you are curious about how I came to this great place and why I do what I do, take a look at my recent article in the Brandeis Magazine titled "The View from Val-Kill: Walking in Eleanor Roosevelt’s scholarly footsteps." Read more.
Spotlight
“On birthday, legacy alive, well: Eleanor Roosevelt hailed for a life spent shaping values, seeking equality”, excerpt from article by John Davis, Poughkeepsie Journal, October 12, 2011, featuring Center for Youth and Communities Director Susan P. Curnan:
“…The occasion was the 127th birthday anniversary of Roosevelt, who when she died in 1962 was a leader in advancing human and civil rights and known for her role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
‘Her life shows us what democracy means,’ said Curnan, a professor of social policy and management at Brandeis University in Boston.’
The National Park Service invited Curnan to speak at this year’s annual birthday celebration.
Curnan discussed her years living and growing up on the Roosevelt estate where her father, Charlie Curnan, was a caretaker.
‘My worldview and values were nourished at Val-Kill,’ she said.
She talked about the influence of Eleanor Roosevelt on her life….
The guest speaker called on those gathered to draw inspiration from the life and accomplishments of Roosevelt.
‘Action and action now – that’s how each one of us can keep Eleanor Roosevelt’s legacy alive,’ Curnan said.”
Susan P. Curnan traveled to the White House to consult with the Domestic Policy Council on the White House’s new urban strategy for six cities called Strong Cities Strong Communities (SC2). The Center for Youth and Communities has been invited to serve as the lead partner for the youth employment aspect of this national initiative. Read more.
The Center is working as the evaluation and learning partner with The Skillman Foundation as the Foundation implements its “Good Neighborhoods and Good Schools Initiative.” The 10 year, $500 million Initiative is designed to concentrate Foundation and other leveraged resources in six Detroit neighborhoods with the goal of transforming the neighborhoods and schools into environments where all children are safe, healthy, well educated and prepared for adulthood. Read more.
The Gates Foundation Postsecondary Success (PSS) initiative is an ambitious effort to build and support local partnerships between community-based youth development organizations and community colleges aimed at increasing postsecondary access and academic success for low income students in 15 sites across the country. Read more.