On the latest episode of Good Day Clermont!, host Bob Pautke joined Skylar Boeh, the new Workforce Development Coordinator for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati, for a tour of the newly refurbished “Teen Center” in Union Township.
Dramatic shifts in social culture over the last two decades have contributed to a nearly 70% decline in daily, person-to-person interactions among teenagers. The rise of internet third spaces and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic contributed significantly to the isolation of teens across the country. According to the World Health Organization, nearly a quarter of teenagers aged 13 to 17 experience consistent loneliness.
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati seeks to combat rising teenage isolation while offering programs that build meaningful skills and support leadership and career opportunities. Just weeks ago, the Wyler Club branch in Union Township finished renovations on its teen Workforce Development Center, which offers a new third space for ages K-12.
“We really wanted to give the teens a space and a staff that are dedicated to helping them prepare for what comes next,” Boeh said about the facility upgrade.
Inside the Workforce Development Center.
“They love it; they finally feel like they have their own space just for them,” Boeh said. Citing her recent interactions with parents, they have also praised the Center for giving their children the opportunity to take advantage of work-readiness programs. “Really positive reactions all around,” she added.
Boeh said the Workforce Development Center isn’t just a ‘day care’ for teens, but a place to find resources and prepare for their future. Free opportunities that are available at the Wyler Club in Union Township include:
Internship preparation
After-school homework and study support
Volunteer programs
Field trips
And more.
“We want to make sure we’re building them up, and that they can identify their own strengths,” she said.
The Workforce Development Center also gives teens a chance to apply their new skills outside the classroom. For example, participants will manage a Haunted House program this October, creating an interactive set for guests and peers, assigning roles, and drafting blueprints from start to finish.
“We don’t want it to feel like school, because it’s not school. We want the teens to really be able to come here, and relax, and have a safe place to be themselves and make friends. But we also want to make sure that we are doing things to help them learn and grow.” Boeh said.
Boeh has been with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati for almost five years. She started at the front desk before serving as program coordinator for three years. When she saw the Workforce Development position open, she felt prepared to take on the role.
“I really enjoy this work. I enjoy working with these kids and their families, and I think it's important work that we do,” Boeh reflected. “I think these kids and their families need a support system; I think they need consistency and seeing people that are going to show up for them.”
Teenagers who participate in Workforce Development programs can nominate their peers for Youth of the Year, a chance to speak at the Great American Ballpark and win $20,000 toward their college career.
One teenager from the Union Township Wyler Club will compete in the final round in February.
Currently, 34-36 teenagers attend programs at the Workforce Development Center every day, exceeding the Boys & Girls Club's initial goal. Boeh hopes they will surpass 40 participants soon.
Additionally, she believes achieving that goal will occur through a referral program she hopes to win with West Clermont High School and other schools. Other potential options include establishing new partnerships to enable mock interviews, resume-building opportunities, and job placements for students.
“I really want this Workforce Development Center to be seen as a pillar in this community for these teens and these families,” Boeh concluded.
Those interested in volunteering at the Workforce Development Center or learning more about upcoming programs can visit the official website for details.
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