Blended Learning Youth Development Leadership Graduate Course

Course Design Highlights

Objective

Designed and delivered a blended learning graduate-level course focused on the effectiveness of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and Positive Racial Socialization (PRS) practices in youth work for the University of Minnesota’s Youth Development Leadership (YDL) program. The course aimed to equip youth workers, educators, and program facilitators with research-based strategies to create affirming, identity-centered, and developmentally supportive environments for young people, particularly young people of color in urban settings.

Core Thematic Units

1. Foundations of Positive Youth Development (PYD)

2. Understanding and Applying Positive Racial Socialization (PRS)

3. Integrating PYD and PRS into Program Design and Practice

Blended Learning Format: Balanced in-person workshops with self-paced online modules for flexibility and accessibility.

Interactive Tools: Digital discussion boards, multimedia resources, and reflective journaling exercises

Capstone Project: Participants designed a youth leadership development plan rooted in PYD and PRS principles.

Role

• Curriculum Designer: Developed a 12-week blended learning curriculum integrating in-person and virtual modules.

• Lead Facilitator: Delivered live classroom sessions, facilitated in-person and online discussions, and provided individualized coaching.

• Content Developer: Created original course content, including lesson plans, multimedia resources, and reflection exercises.

Collaboration

Partnered with subject matter experts in youth development, racial identity formation, and community psychology to ensure content was culturally responsive and research-informed.

Adult Learning Methodologies

• Experiential Learning: Hands-on activities to practice PYD and PRS strategies in real-world scenarios

• Storytelling: Case studies showcasing successful PYD and PRS implementations in diverse settings

• Structured Reflection: Guided exercises to deepen self-awareness and refine practice approaches

• Peer Learning: Asynchronous discussion boards and live group sessions for shared insights

• Application Projects: Participants applied PYD and PRS principles in the design of youth programs or interventions.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants were able to:

1. Explain key principles of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and Positive Racial Socialization (PRS).

2. Analyze the impact of PYD and PRS practices on youth identity development and well-being.

3. Design youth development interventions that incorporate PYD and PRS frameworks.

4. Evaluate existing youth programs for alignment with PYD and PRS best practices.

At the end of the course, participants left with:

1. A clear understanding of PYD and PRS frameworks and their applications in youth work.

2. Practical tools and strategies for identity-affirming leadership practices.

3. A Capstone Youth Development Plan ready for implementation in their respective organizations or programs.