Research shows that Oregon needs workforce development strategies for youths. According to the 2020 Oregon Workforce and Talent Board report on essential employability skills, youths need soft skills to help them succeed as employees and members of the workforce.
Studies also indicate that when employability (soft) skills are taught alongside positive youth development, the result is a more positive and lasting impact on the youths involved. This need was identified locally among youths in the Umatilla School District.
To address this need, Courtney Waliser, Oregon State University Extension Service 4-H Youth Development faculty in Umatilla County, partnered with Stephanie Williams-Strenge, Umatilla School District after-school program director, to develop a Teens as Leaders curriculum. The curriculum prepares teen facilitators who serve as leaders and teachers for younger after-school participants.
In 2024, Waliser and the school district implemented a week-long, 10-hour training with 12 teen leaders. The training emphasized skills such as communication, time management, teamwork, delegation, identifying personal strengths and leadership, along with classroom management practices. Youths practiced these skills through real-world scenarios and reflection with peers and adults.
Additional one-day workshops during the school year help participating youths build on the skills developed in the training. Annual week-long trainings will continue so new participants can take part in the Training for Teens workshop. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate of participation they can add to their résumé portfolio.
The week-long training had meaningful and measurable impacts on the 12 youths who participated. They were introduced to essential employability skills and given opportunities to apply them in real-world contexts.
Youth participants reported stronger understanding of the skills emphasized in the curriculum, which support future employment and strengthen their roles as teen facilitators and student employees within the Umatilla School District.
Participant feedback highlighted engagement and practical value:
- “We were able to build connections between content presented and outside experiences.”
- “We can use these skills and strategies with the kids in the after-school program.”
- “We learned that working with others is actually really fun.”
- “Time management is important.”
- “It’s OK to ask others for things.”
- “I learned about planning better.”
Helping teens develop employability skills at an early stage benefits both individuals and communities. By partnering directly with schools, OSU Extension brings workforce readiness training into a setting where it is most relevant and accessible. Youths leave the program with confidence, leadership experience and transferable skills that support their success as students, employees and engaged community members.