Generation With Promise: Lessons learned from youth participation in public policy for school and community health

Background: This second paper in the proposed Generation With Promise (GWP) symposium explains an initiative to engage young people in transforming school health outcomes in low-income middle schools in Michigan's most economically depressed cities.

Purpose: This paper examines the findings from the evaluation of youth leadership development and participation within GWP. It focuses on the lessons learned to date including the factors that facilitate and limit youth engagement efforts in the schools.

Significance: Research suggests that young people should participate in public policy that promotes health in schools and communities because it draws on their special expertise and improves institutional decisions that affect them. It also enables them to exercise their rights as citizens, represent their interests, and develop their leadership in ways that impact the schools and communities in which they live.

Methodology: The multi-level, mixed method evaluation draws on survey data, qualitative interviews, and school and program-level documentation.

Findings: Findings suggest that young people have influenced health-related policy changes in their schools including changing school tobacco enforcement laws, advocating for healthier options at school lunch, and developing programs to increase physical activity in their schools and communities. Lessons learned include the critical role of adults in facilitating youth participation and leadership, the importance of school-level resources to support youth participation, and the need for on-going opportunities for leadership development training for youth and adults.

Conclusions: This paper demonstrates the potential for youth leadership and participation as a critical component for transforming school and community health policies and practices.