YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND COUNSELING
The Youth Development Department’s mission is to serve as an innovative laboratory for learning and social-emotional development, where students feel empowered to be themselves while also accessing resources, support, and guidance to help them discover their full potential. YD transcends the idea of a traditional academic classroom and is instead a space that recognizes the student as the expert of their own experience and promotes the sharing of one’s thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
CURRICULUM
At HEAF we utilize Wyman’s researched and nationally recognized Teen Outreach Program (TOP) Curriculum for all grades 6th – 12th. At its core, it’s made to empower teens to build a foundation of healthy behaviors, life skills, and a sense of purpose with three main areas:
“BUILDING MY SKILLS”
“LEARNING ABOUT MYSELF”
“CONNECTING WITH OTHERS”
YOUTH & PARENT-GUARDIAN ENGAGEMENT
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Youth Development Internship Program is designed for intrinsically motivated 10-12th grade students looking for an opportunity to expand their leadership skills while at HEAF. Youth Development Interns (YDIs) serve as trusted mentors for younger students, support engagement in the YD classes, and foster a community of support at HEAF. YDIs also serve as HEAF ambassadors for HEAF fundraisers, open houses, and other functions.
PARENT/GUARDIAN WORKSHOPS
We think it is important for our families to be just as informed and supported as our students. So we try and plan a few workshops each semester for our parents and guardians around important topics related to their HEAF Student! We encourage our families to learn right along with their students creating stronger, more successful relationships and family bonds.
1:1 STUDENT SUPPORT
When our students need extra support we offer 1:1 student support from our staff. We typically also have a counseling graduate student on staff for the school year to assist our students when they are feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
Apply to HEAF
Students currently in grade 6 or above can submit applications for Fall 2022 by October 7, 2022; Spring 2023 applications will be accepted through December 16, 2022.