New Generation Communities offers high-quality resources and training opportunities for people of all ages who seek to more fully engage youth and young adults in economic and community life. As the foundation of the New Generation Initiative, this program is expected to stimulate planning and innovation throughout North Carolina's 85 rural counties.

Communities is part of the larger New Generation Initiative, a three-year effort to transform rural counties through youth and young adult engagement. Other programs of the initiative target career development, entrepreneurship and the engagement of young leaders in community service.

Training

The centerpiece of New Generation Communities is a series of training programs to create confidence and increase the chances of successfully engaging young people in your community. 

Workshops to be offered as part of the series:

November 2012: Getting started in youth and young adult engagement

February 2013: Fostering the growth of entrepreneurship among youth and young adults

May 2013: Involving youth and young adults in local governance and community leadership

August 2013: Building a brighter future for high-risk youth

November 2013: Creating technology-ready communities

February 2014: Passing the torch to young farmers, business owners and civic and community leaders/Encouraging young people to come back, give back

Each training program will feature expert presentations, interactive sessions and easy-to-follow guides that contain community-based strategies and resources. Workshops will be held in Raleigh and across the state. Webcasts will also be available. 

The workshops are being developed under the guidance of the New Generation Advisory Council and through a collaboration with state organizations that have expertise in youth and young adult engagement.

Resource guide

The 160-page N.C. Youth Engagement Resource Guide profiles national, state and local resources for communities seeking to launch or expand local initiatives. The guide includes information that can lead to grant, scholarship, volunteer and networking opportunities.

You may purchase a print version of the guide for $20 or visit the online Rural Resource Guide, which includes the youth engagement profiles.

Stay informed

Sign up for the Rural Center's mailing list to receive notices about training events and other news.

Contact

Elaine Matthews, senior vice president

N.C. Rural Economic Development Center

4021 Carya Drive

Raleigh, NC 27610

Telephone: 919-250-4314

Fax: 919-250-4325

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