Compassion Capital Fund - Reaching Our Youth Institute (ROYI)

The Reaching Our Youth Institute delivers capacity building services to youth-serving, faith-based and community organizations through the provision of training, consulting services and cash sub-awards. Funded by the federal Compassion Capital Fund, ROYI services are available on a progressively competitive basis to eligible organizations. The program aims to help grassroots organizations reach more youth through better quality programs and more sustainable organizations. Visit the ROYI page for more details.

Technical Assistance for Quality Improvement

The Road to Quality was developed in late 2002 because of the need for strengthening local organizations’ quality and capacity to serve disadvantaged youth in the St. Louis area. Many existing afterschool programs, especially those in low-income neighborhoods, have limited resources to train staff to deliver safe and stimulating activities for their children. Children in such programs are more likely to be bored, misbehave, or drop out altogether.

The Afterschool Quality Initiative (AQI) helps afterschool programs achieve measurable program improvements through a structured process consisting of an initial assessment, a quality improvement plan and on-site consultation.

The Afterschool for All Partner (ASAP), led by St. Louis for Kids and ARCHS (Area Resources for Community and Human Services) is creating a coordinated system of afterschool programs in the City of St. Louis. With public and private funders and youth services agencies, ASAP will significantly increase the availability of high quality programs. Visit the ASAP page for more information.

Professional Development

Professional development is a broad term that can refer to a variety of education, training, and support opportunities available to youth workers. Studies have shown that the professional skills of youth workers are the single most important factor in determining the success of a quality afterschool program or other youth program. It may also reduce burnout and help youth workers both to stay in the field and to advance within it. These workers serve on the front lines every day in hundreds of programs across the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Learn new techniques and cutting-edge information on subjects like collaboration, youth development, p ositive guidance techniques, and group games through St. Louis for Kids trainings. Throughout the year, you can select from a variety of high-quality (and affordable) trainings presented at a convenient location.

Find out what is currently on the training schedule and register.

Happenings 4 Youth

Happenings 4 Youth is an initiative with the goal to reduce substance abuse among youth by increasing access to positive, drug-free activities during non-school hours.   One major service offered by Happenings 4 Youth is a free directory and calendar of events promoting youth organizations and their activities throughout the 12 county St. Louis St. Louis Metropolitan Area of Missouri and Illinois. Visit the Happenings 4 Youth website.

Fit4Fun

Fit4Fun is a St. Louis for Kids collaboration with BJC School Outreach and You th Development and funded in whole by the Missouri Foundation for Health.  This 16-lesson elementary level curriculum is designed specifically for the afterschool setting.  It teaches sound nutrition and fitness principles through games and activities.  Topics include How Food Helps the Body, Portion Size, Alternatives to TV and Making Healthy Choices About Fast Food and are based on BJC's proven school day curriculum.  Fit4Fun seeks to work with forty programs around St. Louis city that have a commitment to improving the health and well-being of their students.  Interested programs should contact Katie Kaufmann the Fit4Fun Program Coordinator at St. Louis for Kids.

YDPN - Youth Development Provider Network

The Bi-State Youth Development Provider Network (YDPN) is a broad-based coalition of organizations and individuals committed to strengthening and supporting youth development and afterschool programs. The Network is committed to principles of positive youth development.

Members of the YDPN meet quarterly to gain tools, techniques and best practices.   Each meeting includes a professional development presentation and time for participants to share and build relationships.

For more information and to register, download the Youth Development Provider Network brochure.