Consider approaches for engaging youth as critical partners in fostering safe, health, and supportive learning environments. Presenters from WestEd and Nevada County Office of Education, along with youth participants of Nevada County’s Restorative Accountable Youth Solutions program will talk about opportunities to involve young people along a continuum of participation and leadership and provide insights on effective strategies for embedding youth voice in programs designed to improve health, safety, and school culture. Highlights of successful youth engagement from California schools and districts will be shared.

Watch the session recording:

View the recording transcript

Jenny Betz is a Senior Program Associate at WestEd, supporting schools, districts, can county offices of education with school climate and wellness, trauma-informed practices, youth development and leadership, and partner engagement initiatives. Jenny brings more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector with a focus on creating and sustaining safe and supportive learning environments for all students.

Marlene Mahurin is the Program Coordinator for Intervention Services for the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools. She is the co-director and creator of Restorative Accountable Youth Solutions (RAYS), a youth-led alternative to suspension program. She is also the Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) County Coordinator, overseeing the implementation of tobacco, nicotine and marijuana prevention education and intervention throughout schools in Nevada County.

Steve Hansen is the Restorative Practices Coordinator Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) at Nevada Joint Union High School District and the co-director and co-creator of RAYS. He has been with the district for over 30 years and has served as an English teacher, literacy coach, department chair, and senior project coordinator. In addition to the RAYS program, Steve also facilitates Restorative Conferences in the district and trains teachers in Circles and other restorative practices.

Youth Participants of Nevada County Office of Education’s RAYS Program