Document Type
Report
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
Young people’s voices are underrepresented in research, policy, and program development. Stereotypes about youth (e.g., immature, lazy, undisciplined) often lead to their exclusion from conversations about issues that impact their lives. Despite common stereotypes, youth can, and do, produce trustworthy, valid and easy to understand research (Ozer et al., 2020). And, when included, young people contribute innovative ideas that assist in generating meaningful change in their environments. Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) is one framework that provides young people with an opportunity to be change agents by participating in the research process. It is designed to empower youth by allowing them to share their expertise while serving as co-researchers with adults. YPAR has been used to successfully influence policy and practice across multiple environments.
Recommended Citation
Draft, Darian; Turner, Lequisha; and Rueda, Heidi Adams, "EMPOWER YOUTH SUMMIT 2024: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SHAPING THEIR COMMUNITY" (2025). Social Work Faculty Publications. 76.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/socialworkfacpub/76