Tips & Resources for Engaging Youth

Tips for Engaging Youth in Virtual Spaces

This Tip Sheet will provide Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Grantees recommendations regarding training strategies and student-centered learning to effectively engage youth in the virtual space.

Training Strategies in Virtual Spaces

Keep events and learning opportunities short, concise, and simple
Look at current policies or rules, especially around length and time given for
assignments, and see if they can become more flexible with virtual learning
Send reminder texts before a virtual event
Expect that technology will fail; practice, practice, and practice again to ensure the platform
works, etc.
Find photos and other visuals to use while facilitating and/or lecturing
For virtual meeting platforms, utilize the polling option and other features such as break-out
rooms to keep learning and engagement focused
Student-Centered Support in Virtual Spaces
Create a space that is supportive of emotional processing
Consider the student with the greatest barriers to participation and create a virtual
experience for them in a way where participation and success will be achieved
Have a technology ‘check out’ – give permission for youth to disengage in virtual learning for
set amount of time
Create a confidential way to conduct a safety check-in, as some homes are not always safe
spaces
Engage youth in self-care practices – conduct short learnings before and after events for youth
to better understand how anxiety and stress impact the mind, body, and overall outlook

Combine virtual and non-virtual engagement methods (e.g., sending activity packets, self-care
items, or other items that can be used during a “virtual” session – or sending letters/cards or dropping off basic needs supplies)