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Media Information
Welcome to the Wyman media center. This section offers some of our most
frequently requested materials about Wyman youth, programs, and the organization itself. For
more information about Wyman or to organize an interview or site visit, call 636-938-5245 or email info@wymancenter.org.
Fact Sheet
What Makes Us Different?
More than 30 years of youth development research is identifying key factors that help young
people prepare for success in family life, social relationships, economic self-sufficiency and
civic life.
At the same time, researchers and demographers, as well as concerned parents, educators and
youth work practitioners, have good reason to be concerned about the struggles faced by many of
today's parents, families and schools - the very places that once contributed so wholesomely to
the development of young people.
This is where youth development organizations address a need, but what is Wyman doing that is so
different and impactful?
We're filling a gap in services
Nationally, there is a tremendous gap in services and
developmental programs for young people ages 13 to 18. The
Wyman Teen Leadership Program offers services and a developmental program to serve
youth in this age range who are from disadvantaged circumstances, or those facing economic or societal
circumstances that may restrict their ability to develop their full potential.
We're offering comprehensive support
No other provider of youth services in St. Louis provides such comprehensive programs for youth from
disadvantaged circumstances. We're there for kids on a continuous basis through their most critical
growing up years - from eight grade throughout high school. We draw together many influences on a
young person's life and engage them in their development, including working with their family, school,
corporate and individual supporters, legislators and other community-based organizations. Our year-round
programs offer youth the experiences, supports and opportunities that are necessary for them to develop
the skills, knowledge and values to be successful.
We're getting results!
Our programs are results-driven. We are preparing youth to lead successful lives and build strong
communities by focusing on three critical areas of life: healthy family and social relationships,
economic self-sufficiency, and community involvement. We're accomplishing this by teaching youth to
be productive in school and work, to connect to community and family, and to be able to navigate in
diverse environments and make healthy choices.
Program graduates will:
- Participate in 105 days of leadership development activities at camp, including three years
of 28-day residential summer camp, a 14-day adventure trek to Wyoming, and a 7-day community
leadership program on a university campus
- Experience 30 full-day training workshops, including topics such as community building, social
justice, diversity, governmental relations, environmental ethics and leadership skills (decision
making, presentation style, media training, etc.)
- Contribute at least 150 hours of community volunteerism (30-60 per year)
- Youth are writing personal mission statements, compiling their resume, interviewing community
leaders, planning cross-county expeditions, conducting leadership surveys, and establishing a track
record of commitment and consistent attendance. Overall, they're developing quite an impressive
resume for people so young!
Wyman's philosophy, grounded in the most current national research, is that keeping young people "problem
free*" is simply not enough. We must help them be "fully prepared*" to lead successful lives and build
strong communities.
* Karen Pittman, Executive Director of the Forum for Youth Investment
And we're the only organization that offers this type of comprehensive program for youth from disadvantaged
circumstances.
Press Releases
and News
Media Contact
For more information or to arrange an interview or site visit, please call 636-938-5245 or email info@wymancenter.org.
Resources
2006 Annual Report
Board of Trustees - Offers a list of members,
including many community leaders, as well as their professional affiliations
Executive Leadership Team
Wyman Institute for Youth Development
Wyman Teen Leadership
Program
Wyman Capital & Endowment Campaign
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