Post 3: Youth Development and Creating Room for Big Emotions
Youth development goes beyond academics—it’s about helping young people navigate emotions that can often feel overwhelming. The Wyoming Afterschool Alliance recognizes the importance of creating safe spaces where youth can express “big emotions,” from excitement to frustration.
This topic took center stage for the Summer STEM Fellows during a training hosted by the Alliance in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wyoming, led by Jamaal Williams of PEAR. Participants discussed the challenges of middle school, a time when “everything feels so big,” and explored how mentors can help youth process their emotions in a healthy way.
One key takeaway from the session was the importance of validating youth emotions. As one participant noted, “We want youth to know they are heard and that we take their emotions seriously.” Another participant reflected, “Conversation helps a lot of time for a lot of things.”
This kind of support helps youth develop essential skills like self-regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution—tools that will serve them throughout life.
Stan Lee once said, “Our aspiring heroes will be tested on their courage, integrity, self-sacrifice, and compassion.” These qualities are just as important in youth development as they are for superheroes. By offering emotional support, mentors can help young people build resilience and empathy.
Organizations looking for support might refer to PEAR’s “Building Belonging” program that equips adults to foster emotional growth, especially when working with underserved youth. By creating space for emotional expression, adults empower youth to navigate life’s challenges and grow into the next generation of empathetic leaders. And the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) have created resources specifically for OST programs that notes: “Mental health issues often affect academic performance, attendance, behavior, and well-being. Recognizing this connection is the first step toward fostering a supportive environment that enables kids to thrive academically and emotionally.”
