New opportunities for innovative student engagement

Abstract

This report is based on an advanced practicum placement which was completed with
 YouthREX’s New Opportunities for Student Engagement Program. This program is designed to
 create learning opportunities about research and social change for young people through a
 strengths-based approach, which supports youth in building relationships and preparations for
 post-secondary education. The program teaches young people the power of research using
 hands-on experiential learning. Ultimately this program focuses on empowering youth to
 become advocates in their community for the betterment of their community. In completing this
 placement, I set out to acquire skills and knowledge about group work with youth. Within this
 report, how to implement group work with youth is expanded on through knowledge gleaned
 from the literature as well as on my experience of this placement. I also desired to further
 develop my clinical skills by critically reflecting upon the implementation of group work during
 my practicum. Finally, through this placement, I observed youth learn and grow as they
 developed projects designed to address the social issues faced by their community

Master of Social Work (MSW)