Child and Youth Studies (CHYS) students at Trent University Durham GTA are rising to the challenge (and opportunity) to serve local youth. As part of the Career Development through Community Service Learning course, they answered the call from the municipal government in search of inventive ways to sustain and increase independence of the Oshawa Youth Council (OYC). 

“By participating in the course, students learn how to problem solve, work collaboratively and think critically about current issues impacting youth, as well as the unique needs of young people in Oshawa,” stated Professor Christine Goodwin-De Faria.

While Prof. Goodwin-De Faria leads CHYS students through topics including Child Rights and Legal Issues, and Imagination and Child and Youth Culture, her counterpart, Dr. Omar Lujan, teaches the half-credit Career Development through Community Service Learning course, at the TeachingCity Hub located in Oshawa’s downtown core.

Through this course, offered each term, CHYS students work on projects to address a challenge posed by the City as part of City Idea Lab, an initiative designed to bring the City of Oshawa, education and research partners together to address urban issues.

“The students participating in the City Idea Lab project are passionate about contemporary youth issues and enjoy the opportunity to develop tangible solutions that will positively impact young people,” explains Dr. Lujan who is an experienced researcher. “They have the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge of children and youth into practice.”

CHYS students continue to build on their tradition of supporting youth in the community. To address the current challenge of sustaining and increasing the Council’s independence, students generated new solutions including mentorship, online platforms and incentives. 

“Drawing on their interdisciplinary background in CHYS, research skills and guidance from city staff, students came up with very unique and innovative ideas,” stated Dr. Lujan. "They valued the opportunity to work collaboratively with their instructor, peers and the City.”

To acquire a thorough understanding, students studied literature on issues including youth development, engagement strategies and participation. Students also learned about the complexity of transforming ideas into practice while navigating regulations, budgets and various stakeholders.

Earlier this semester students presented their ideas to city staff, earning key communication, presentation skills and helpful feedback, which ultimately enhanced their final projects.

Prof. Goodwin-De Faria concludes, “These lessons will be extremely beneficial for students as they transition into future careers.”