United Way of Northern Arizona — What Happens When We Listen to Youth

The latest news from UWNA. View as Webpage

When we listen to youth, powerful things happen.

That’s why one of the core commitments of your United Way of Northern Arizona is bringing our community together around programs and projects that provide local youth with the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

I’m excited to share two items that will make a difference to teens this winter. The first is the grand opening of The Bijou Teen Center in Holbrook, a project for youth by youth that has been several years in the making.

From the desk of:

Liz Archuleta

President & CEO

Then next month, we’ll be hosting the Youth Experiencing Success (YES!) Leadership Summit, drawing students from all around northern Arizona to build the skills they need to shape their futures and strengthen our community.

I hope you enjoy learning more about these initiatives to empower our youth in the stories below.

‘The Bijou’ Opens

In 2023, two Navajo County high school students surveyed their peers and uncovered a critical need: teens wanted a safe space to connect, create, and explore their futures. Last week, that student-driven vision became reality when The Bijou Teen Center opened in Holbrook. This partnership between youth, companies, and nonprofits – including UWNA – showed what happens when a community steps up for its youth.

UWNA Hosts Youth Experiencing Success (YES!) Leadership Summit February 19th

United Way of Northern Arizona will host the Youth Experiencing Success (YES!) Leadership Summit at Northern Arizona University.

This full-day event brings high school students together for critical skill-building in leadership development, financial literacy, cultural identity, self-esteem, mental well-being, and creating a sense of belonging.

With limited spots available per school, we’re expecting strong interest from students eager to develop the tools they need to navigate their futures with confidence. The first 50 students to register will be entered into a raffle to win a gift card. If you know of a youth who would be interested, please forward them (or their parents/caregivers) a copy of this email. They’ll get a day out of school and maybe even win a gift card, but more importantly, they’ll discover what they are capable of. Students can register for the summit here.

The YES! Leadership Summit represents our commitment to investing in young people during a formative time in their lives and providing them with practical skills, supportive community, and the confidence to lead. By creating spaces where youth can explore their identities, build resilience, and connect with peers, we’re helping shape the leaders northern Arizona needs.

UNITED WAY OF NORTHERN ARIZONA

1515 E. Cedar Ave. Suite D-1 Flagstaff, AZ 86004

928-773-9813 nazunitedway.org

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