We speak with Al Kurland, longtime leader of out-of-school-time programs in Upper Manhattan’s Washington Heights. Mr. Kurland founded youth programs that help teens to “rewrite their stories” with the support of adult and peer mentors. He collaborated with other local youth organizations, creating a cluster of empowering and horizon-broadening experiences for students, helping many expand “tunnel vision.”
Overview
00:00-00:39 Intros
00:39-04:50 Washington Heights community and its youth
04:50-09:05 What made programs successful
09:05-12:48 The Dreamers
12:48-15:15 Teens changing from fatalism to purpose
15:15-17:47 Teen-centric programming and its impact on young people
17:47-23:01 Increased isolation of teens in “modern” compared to traditional societies
23:01-27:38 Meaningful rites of passage
27:38-33:06 Storytelling, mentors, co-mentors
33:06-35:03 How schools can enhance adolescents’ sense of efficacy; action civics
35:03-39:35 Suggestions for starting a youth program
39:35- Outro
Transcript
Click here to see the full transcription of this episode.
References
- Book “The Soul of Adolescence Aligns with the Heart of Democracy” by Alfred H Kurland
- Generation Citizen Vote 16 initiative
- CUNY SPS Youth Studies Program – Collaborative for Advancing Youth Development’s
Soundtrack by Poddington Bear