Rosenberg: UWRI engaging youth

Elana Rosenberg
Elana Rosenberg

Elana Rosenberg recently joined United Way of Rhode Island’s Community Investment team as senior project manager, where she will manage the Rhode Island Afterschool Plus Alliance. She also oversees UWRI’s portfolio of learning initiatives outside the classroom, as well as manages UWRI’s public-policy efforts, resource development and quality-improvement activities, among other responsibilities. Most recently, Rosenberg spent five years as the Gay-Straight Alliance Network and programming coordinator for Youth Pride. In this role, she developed a statewide GSA, as well as provided support for 10 newly created high school and university GSA groups. She holds a B.S. in sociology from Smith College and an M.S. in college student personnel from Miami University.

What is expanded learning and how does UWRI fit in?
Learning takes place all the time, not just in a classroom. Our focus on expanded learning is about improving the quality of learning that takes place in after-school and summer programs and expanding opportunities to earn high school credit. By participating, youth develop skills that enhance their academic success and better prepare them for life, such as social awareness, decision-making, creativity and critical thinking.

What are the most important elements to engaging youth academically?
There are numerous afterschool and summer programs throughout the state that excel in engaging youth academically. Those that are most impactful are consciously working towards developing skills such as: self-management, social and self-awareness, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication. These skills are often ignored when we talk about education but they are essential to the healthy development of children and youth, as well as to their future success in life.

Could you tell me more about the work you did with the Gay-Straight Alliance Network at Youth Pride?
While at Youth Pride Inc., I coordinated Gay-Straight Alliance Network membership meetings. … Many youth face harassment and violence at school because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. These experiences have a direct effect on their academic success, as well as success in life. •

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