EDSI Program Highlight: The Eddystone Youth Program

Jill Monte - Content Specialist · Jul 29, 2024

In Ridley, Pennsylvania, the Eddystone Youth Program stands out as a cornerstone of EDSI's impactful youth initiatives. The program addresses a crucial need for engaging in winter activities among local youths. As part of EDSI's broader commitment to youth development, this initiative showcases leadership in creating meaningful opportunities for young people across our regions and exemplifies community collaboration and expertise in youth programming.

The Eddystone Youth Program was created by Katy McGinley, the Assistant Principal at Eddystone High School, and has become a vital community initiative. Growing up in Eddystone and attending Eddystone Elementary School, Katy recognized the limited options for students during the winter. This inspired her to envision a structured program to keep kids engaged and help them develop essential life skills.

“I noted a lack of activities, particularly for those students in middle and early high school that were available to me when I was their age and proved to be an integral part of my growth and development, which is why I teamed with Roe Falcone and EDSI to bring programming to this demographic. I am thrilled at the number of students who took advantage of the opportunity to engage in the activities provided and could definitely see the community involvement that makes Eddystone so unique, from Sciarrino's generous weekly donations of food and drinks to the Eddystone Police Department's support and engagement.” - Katy McGinley

From Humble Beginnings to Serving Dozens

Initially designed to cater to 15 participants, the program quickly gained popularity, attracting around 50 youths in its first iteration. Funded by the Community Foundation and run in partnership with the Workforce Development Board, the program has consistently served around 30 kids per cohort over the past three years. The exponential growth highlights the community's need for such an initiative and the program's ability to meet these needs effectively.

“I have been part of the Eddystone Program for 3 years and it has helped me with teamwork and my overall attitude. When I first came to the program at 13, I only wanted to play basketball and now I know how to work in groups to complete a task. I would definitely recommend the program to other Eddystone kids. Since the program started, I have brought six of my friends to the program so they can learn how to communicate in different ways depending on the audience.” – Zephaniah Deshields

Adaptability in the Face of Challenges

The most recent cohort of the program ran from January 23 to April 9, 2024, and serviced a total of 54 students. Despite encountering initial challenges, such as unauthorized entry and occasional conflicts among attendees, the program staff demonstrated remarkable adaptability. They promptly addressed emerging needs by bolstering staff numbers and refining the program's structure. These challenges were met head-on with innovative solutions, ensuring the program's smooth operation.

Katy McGinley explains: "The first few weeks were a learning curve. We had to deal with some unexpected issues, but the team was quick to adapt. We increased staff presence and made some changes to the program structure, which significantly improved the overall experience for the students."

Lessons Tailored to Interests

Lessons on communication, time management, and interviews were all tailored to resonate with the students' preferences. Recognizing their enjoyment for competition, activities were modified to incorporate elements of rivalry. For instance, the time management lesson took the form of a scavenger hunt, wherein two groups competed to find items within a specified time frame. These interactive and engaging activities not only made learning fun but also reinforced important life skills in a memorable way.

A Nightly Routine

Each evening commenced with journal prompts in the school cafeteria, seamlessly segueing into engaging lessons and activities. A nutritious dinner replenished the students midway through the program, energizing them for the subsequent physical activities. Emphasizing responsibility and respect, staff and students collaborated in maintaining cleanliness and orderliness in the facilities.

Positive Outcomes and Lasting Impact

Enrollment peaked at 54 students, with an average nightly attendance of 25 following the initial week. Notably, over 16 students participated for ten or more nights, evidencing sustained engagement. The program fostered positive behavioral changes by prioritizing student input and resolving conflicts through constructive dialogue. Beyond structured activities, students formed new connections and friendships, enriched by their shared experiences throughout the program.

One EDSI team member shared her perspective: "The most significant change I observed in the young people who were part of the program, especially those that came for most of the sessions, was the increase in their ability to effectively communicate and resolve conflict. I made it a priority to communicate with the students who had conflicts with others and make sure they felt heard while also helping them understand what they could have done differently. This led to more open communication that prevented further conflict later in the program. As someone who was there every session from the start of the program in January to the end in March, seeing the youth support each other and foster their own sense of community made the biggest impact on me.” – Charmaine Wood

The Eddystone Youth Program has proven to be a valuable initiative, providing a safe and engaging environment for kids during winter months. The program's success stems from its adaptability, community partnerships, and focus on student well-being. Its impact is evident in the positive changes observed in the participants and the strong community support it continues to receive.

The continued success of the Eddystone Youth Program relies on the dedication and involvement of the entire community. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every bit of support helps keep this valuable program thriving. To learn about other EDSI youth programming initiatives, visit our Youth Programs Page.

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