P2P Communications Program

An expanded learning opportunity aimed at empowering students in grades 6-12 with the communication skills necessary to develop and sustain social relationships with peers and future professional relationships within the workplace.

Interpersonal communication is an essential 21st Century skill that finds daily purpose as we grow throughout the course of our lives. This skill is key to developing and maintaining successful relationships with family, peers and others. In regards to the workforce, poor communication can prevent job offers, keep colleagues from working well together, and turn workplaces into unproductive environments where individuals do not feel valued.

Recent research indicates that young adults that fall into the Generation Z category have displayed significant failures in representing themselves well during the interview process and/or once hired as an employee. With existing systemic barriers already serving as blockers to advancement for individuals under targeted racial, ethnic, and economic groups, it is imperative that young people within these groups understand and master the skills needed to best position themselves as viable, well-trained candidates.

I am committed to teaching young people the principles of interpersonal communication through the P2P Communications program.

Learning goals for the program participants include:

1. Students will learn the importance of active listening and practice this skill through various exercises.

2. Students will learn to advocate for themselves, stating their thoughts and feelings effectively using appropriate, respectful language.

3. Students will value the thoughts and opinions of others, understanding that each person has a unique voice that deserves to be heard even if their opinion varies from their own.

4. Students will pause to view circumstances from the perspective of others and take this perspective into consideration before getting into conflict with others.

5. Students will be conscious of how they share information verbally and non-verbally including how they dress, their posture, etc.

6. Students will have stronger connections to peers and adults within their informal and formal social networks.

7. Parents will receive guidance on how to better communicate with their children utilizing the same principles learned by the students.

If students practice what they learn, it will aid them in developing healthy friendships and working well in groups. More importantly, they will have obtained a work readiness skill that will be key to achieving a successful career and maintaining a strong social and professional network.

Option A: P2P Communications (full series)

P2P Communications is an expanded learning opportunity aimed at empowering students in grades 6-12 with the communication skills necessary to develop and sustain social relationships with peers and future professional relationships within the workplace. Rooted in the principles of positive youth development promoting self-advocacy, autonomy, and empathetic communication via a strength-based approach, the program will operate once per week for 9 weeks as group instruction. The first 8 weeks will encompass 50-minute lessons on effective communication skills. The final session will celebrate the students’ achievements and graduation from the program. The curriculum can be condensed to accommodate a summer program schedule.

Option B: Becoming a Strong Communicator

This one-day, 1-1.5 hour interactive workshop draws from the full series P2P Communications program to focus on the basic principles of communication. The workshop will cover the various types of communication, communication channels, and how communication impacts relationships. This workshop is appropriate for all grade levels, but primarily intended for elementary school children in grades 4-5. 

Option C: The DEI of Communication

This one-day, 1-1.5 hour interactive workshop draws from the full series P2P Communications program to approach communication through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The workshop examines how to view situations from the perspectives of others and factoring those perspectives into a communication strategy. It will also cover the various types of communication, communication channels, how communication impacts relationships, and key communication principles. This workshop is primarily intended for youth in grades 6-12. 

Option D: Workplace Communications

This one-day, 1-1.5 hour interactive workshop draws from the full series P2P Communications program to focus on the role effective communication plays in creating healthy work environments and access to opportunities. The workshop will cover the various types of communication, communication channels in professional settings, how communication impacts hiring decisions and workplace relationships, and key communication principles. This workshop is intended for youth in grades 9-12. 

Option E: Generational Parenting

As recipients of youth communication, the adults around them must accept that youth may express themselves in ways different from their own. Adults must recognize that youth have their own perspectives and they need to be flexible when attempting to understand Gen Z kids. This 1.5 hour workshop will cover practices around parent-child communication. The workshop will serve as a safe space for parents to share difficulties they may have communicating with their child, connect with parents living through similar experiences, and share stories that may bring comfort to another parent. Although intended for parents, any adult working with youth can benefit from the discussion.