CUMU Conference 2018

Metro Detroit Nature Network (MDN2) is a partnership of 35+ government, nonprofit and higher education conservation, park and recreation organizations committed to ensuring that all people in the metropolitan Detroit region have access to and actively steward nature and promote ecosystem sustainability. MDN2 has developed collective impact strategies to address issues including: place-making; conservation; green infrastructure; and youth engagement and employment. With 80% of humans living in urban areas, and an industry that lacks diversity, MDN2 has a strong interest in engaging youth of color in its work, as well as attracting them to and supporting their access to the wide variety of existing career pathways. This mini-workshop will provide participants with: an understanding of how to assist organizations to attract youth of color; how to teach urban youth career navigation skills, including badging and related online tools; an appreciation of the increasing need to assist youth in developing strong soft-skills; and a clear understanding of the role higher education institutions can play in promoting evidence-based strategies that contribute to collective impact, equity, student success, diversity and inclusion.