Supporting Special Populations Requires Partnership
In today's world, a growing number of children are impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), leading to unique and diverse needs. The Special Populations PLC is a network of dedicated youth development professionals who serve young people from various special populations. This includes, but is not limited to, youth with physical, cognitive, or learning disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, illness, or bereavement, immigrants, LGBTQ+ youth, and children exposed to domestic violence or trauma.
The Special Populations PLC fosters a supportive community where professionals can connect, share resources, and address emerging trends in youth development. Through expert-led discussions, networking opportunities, and collaborative resource-sharing, the PLC empowers members to better serve their communities. Key topics explored include trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning (SEL), staff and volunteer support, vicarious trauma, and more.
Example Discussion Topics:
- Self-care for full-time, year-round leadership staff
- Supporting and retaining staff and volunteers
- Recruitment strategies
- Effective marketing techniques
- Addressing vicarious trauma in youth and staff
- Implementing trauma-informed care
- Promoting inclusion and equity
- Social-emotional learning (SEL)
- And much more!
Who Should Join the Special Populations PLC?
If you work with youth who have unique needs due to ACEs, a diagnosis, or challenging life circumstances, this group is for you. Join a community that shares your passion for making a difference, while gaining access to the tools, resources, and connections that can enhance your impact.
Upcoming PLC Meetings:
September
Shifting the Paradigm: Creating Communities Where Everyone Belongs
Speaker: Lisa Drennan, Founder of MERGE Inclusion Consulting
Date: Wednesday, September 18, 1pm EST (60 min)
October
Engage and Enroll: Effective Marketing for Summer Programs
Speaker: Dan Weir, Senior Consultant at Immersive 1st
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 11am EST (60 min)
November
Summer Learning Summit
- PLC Meeting (3 hours)
- Educational Session – Monitoring DEIB: Recipes for Success
January
Weaving Literacy into Summer Programs
Speaker: Elizabeth M. McChesney, Youth services consultant, children’s librarian, and author
Date: TBD: Tuesday, January 14, 1pm EST
March
Unlocking the Power of Sleep: Best Practices for Summer Programs
Speaker: Dr. Lisa Meltzer, Owner of Nyxeos Consulting
Date: TBD: Wednesday, March 5, 11am EST
Join Our PLC Today!
PLC Team Leader
Sterling Nell Leija
NSLA Field Consultant
Sterling currently serves as the founder and CEO of Innovative Camp Company, a consulting firm dedicated to advancing youth-serving organizations through innovative solutions. She has a deep passion for advancing education in the out-of-school space. Her work focuses on creating intentional, outcome-based programming that ensures equitable access to high-quality youth development opportunities, meaningful program impact, and using summer programs as a platform for learning to help close the summer learning gap. With broad experience in youth development, she has served as a camp founder, nonprofit executive, and national volunteer for the American Camp Association. Sterling excels in growing programs and organizations, leveraging her leadership to foster impactful growth and sustainable success.
Email Sterling at SpecialPopulations@summerlearning.org to learn how to join our PLC.