Youth Opportunity Connect

What is the Youth Opportunity Connect Program?

Youth Opportunity Connect (YOC) helps Middle & High School youth discover their full potential as productive members in our community while preparing them to become eligible for Summer Internship jobs for High School students. YOCP also promotes personal growth, self-exploration, and independence in an environment that is safe and supportive. YOCP participants will also explore career and educational opportunities along with working in a small group that helps them discover self-awareness and improve the development of their communication, emotional, and social skills. The program operates during the school year and summer months. The school year has three components.

During the school year, youth participate in Mentoring, Podcasting (TVC- Teen Voice & Choice) and Critical Conversations Programming:

City of Buffalo Mentoring Program

Mentor or partnership programs connect youth with caring adults who have specific skills and knowledge (mentors) with individuals (protégés) who need or want the same skills and advantages to move up in work, skill level, or school performance. Participants in mentor programs, both young and old, share their values and personal goals in a mutually respectful, supportive way which leads to a more enriched life for both. A successful mentor program helps break down barriers and create opportunities for success.

Critical Conversations

The goal of the program is to improve relationships between police officers and the communities they serve through positive interactions with youth. Session topics included:  Community Perspectives of Police, Social and Cultural Norms, Police Brutality and Harassment, Social Media’s Role, Fact vs. Fiction, Maintaining Positive Contact, Roles of Police Officers and Social & Cultural Norms Escalation/De-escalation. These conversations are lead through restorative circles with police officers and our youth.

Podcasting (TVC- Teen Voice & Choice)

A teen podcasting program provides young people with the tools and skills to create and share their own audio content. These programs often focus on digital literacy, communication skills, and creative expression, while also fostering community engagement and personal development.

Who can Enroll in this program?

This is a FREE program, open to any youth attending a Buffalo Public School or Charter School, who reside in the City of Buffalo. Youth must be in entering grades 7th-10th grade.

When does the program take place?         Where does the Program take place?