It is Michigan Young Parent Awareness Day, and groups are spotlighting efforts to support expectant and parenting young people, both in taking care of their kids and achieving their personal goals. Research shows fewer than half of teen mothers get a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and just 2% of those who graduate from high school finish college by age 30. Kristie Wilcox, a University of Michigan student and founder of the group She s Got Grit, which raises money for a $5,000 scholarship for a young Michigan parent in high school, said there are many options for how the money could be used. .
Ohio s Children Services agencies say they are becoming the destination for young people with all kinds of intensive or "high-acuity" needs. A new report found nearly one in four kids entered Children Services custody in 2021 due primarily to mental illness, developmental disability or as a diversion from the juvenile justice system. KelliJo Jeffries, director of Portage County Job and Family Services, said it added a layer of stress to an already strained workforce. .
It s already been one week since Safer Internet Day, and in case you missed it, the National Parent-Teachers Association is helping families have "the talk" with their kids to lay out ground rules for being online. Parents can still go to the website saferinternetday.us for guidance on how to facilitate a safe experience when kids use social media or gaming sites. Carrie Neill, connected ambassador for the national PTA, said their Smart Talk tool encourages parents to give kids a say when setting family rules for technology and mobile devices. .
Bridgeport is one of six U.S. cities selected for an 18-month project kicking off this month, to create more education and career opportunities for young people. The National League of Cities has awarded Bridgeport a $150,000 grant to support projects promoting STEM education and careers, particularly for young people not working or in school. .