Timeline

Fall 2019

After speaking to the Senate, Senator DiZoglio got passed $200,000 in earmarked funds for the creation of a youth innovation program

Spring 2020

Senator DiZoglio secured the $200,000 in state funding toward a Youth Innovation Project in Methuen.
Funds were allocated to Inspirational Ones, as a local non profit, in collaboration with Methuen Public Schools and other community partners

Summer 2020

Development of Youth Innovation Program for Merrimack Valley begins
Creation of Youth Advisory Council
Community Youth Survey developed, sent out and results gathered
Youth Advisory Council partake in national research study with Ellen Galinsky
Creation of community awareness and partnerships
Senator DiZoglio secured through the Senate’s General Governmental Infrastructure Bond Bill $1,000,000 to Inspirational Ones, Inc. to reinvest in the community by continuing development of the Methuen Youth Innovation Project

Fall 2020

Hire Executive Director for program
Youth Advisory Council leadership retreat
Recruit for youth to participate in programming
Implement Mastering Soft Skills program based on survey results
Begin offering Nutrition/Cooking classes
Begin Offering “Home Ec” type program
Film2Future presentation to Youth Advisory Council
Senator DiZoglio hosting March Across Massachusetts fundraiser for Youth Innovation Program

Winter 2020/21

Youth Advisory Council leading the programming creation
Continue development and implementation of programming for youth
Create evaluation (using Weikart: https://forumfyi.org/work/the-weikart-center/)
Assess and adapt accordingly
Host Youth Skill Development Workshops
Recruit for additional youth to participate in programming

Spring 2021

Partner with schools for Youth Asset Survey (Middle School) (Youth Advisory Council to use findings to identify areas of need and help develop programs and a 2 year work plan)
Host Career Fair for High School
Begin creating a pool of possible apprenticeship partners for youth to participate in
Continue development and implementation of programming for youth

Summer 2021