CASPER, Wyo. — The Void Outreach Inc., now known as the nonprofit Casper Youth Hub, is planning a three-year initiative to provide Casper teens with Wyoming’s first full “third space.”
A “third space” is any location outside of home or school where children can socialize and hang out without spending money. In fact, with Casper Youth Hub’s upcoming plan, teens will be able to earn money through the program.
“We’re building something that will fundamentally change how our community supports its youth,” Acting Executive Director Seth Hollier stated. “This is not about creating programs for youth; it is about developing programs with youth. Every decision will include youth input and leadership.”
In addition to the adult board positions that the nonprofit seeks to fill, there are opportunities for youth to get involved with the program. The program is offering ten paid Youth Research Fellowships, with pay ranging from $15 to $20 per hour.
These young leaders will be at the forefront of the initiative, conducting research, designing, and implementing programs for their peers. The fellowship includes trips to learn about successful youth spaces in other cities, such as Cheyenne. The deadline for applying to one of these positions is October 15.
Youth interested in these opportunities can apply here.
The organization is also looking for adult board members with extensive experience in mental health and youth development. They will help to shape the organization’s strategic direction, with a focus on incorporating evidence-based mental health practices into all programs.
Board members, including five youth representatives, will have full voting rights on key program and budgetary decisions.
Casper Police Chief Shane Chaney and former Natrona County Schools Technical Instructor Kyle Corley have already joined the board, the Casper Youth Hub announced.
Creative mentors are also required to work directly with youth in a variety of fields, such as digital arts, technology, traditional crafts, and business. These positions are for professionals with maker and craft skills who can share their knowledge and mentor teenagers in developing new skills.
Over the next three years, the organization will establish itself as a trustworthy and ethical source of youth enrichment in the Casper community. The current three-year timeline for the hub is as follows:
2025: Research and development phase, with youth leading exploration of best practices and program design
2026: Pilot summer programs testing youth-developed initiatives
2027: Full program implementation and facility acquisition
Once the hub is fully established and relocated to a permanent location, it has promised to share its curricula and operating procedures with other youth-focused nonprofits so that they can benefit the lives of youth in other communities.
“We want more organizations to build systems like this,” Hollier told the audience. “We understand that we cannot meet every youth’s needs alone. Our doors will always be open to other organizations seeking to use our facilities and resources.”
The program is also accepting financial donations at this time. For more information on how to support, become a board member or ask questions, see the program’s website.
