Creating a Village Horizontal Logo with Name on Bottom

Families often face challenges that affect the inter-generational support that youth have during adolescence. This can leave them without role models or mentors to support their transition from youth to adult. The Creating a Village program (Funded by USDA/NIFA Children, Youth and Families At-Risk (2015-41520-30101)) offers practice in life skills such as financial literacy, self-care, maintenance, and healthy living in an environment supported by teen mentors, youth-adult partners, and content experts. The small, selective cohorts allow youth to develop relationships with the support team and each other, and strengthens social, leadership, and resiliency skills and knowledge.

Summer 2023
UH Extension
Kahului, Maui
Youth use two-way radios for disaster communication. Youth use two-way radios for disaster communication.
Spring 2023
Ewa Beach Middle
Ewa Beach, Oahu
Youth practice good hygiene practices including dental careYouth practice good hygiene including dental care.
Fall 2022
Lokelani Intermediate
Kihei, Maui
Self Defense Fall 2022 Maui Group Huddle Youth learn mindfuless through self-defense by practicing jijitsu.
Summer 2022
UH Extension
Kahului, Maui
Youth learn safety and nutrition while preparing a meal. Youth learn safety and nutrition while preparing a meal.
Spring 2022
King & Washington
Central Oahu
Youth practice budgeting and making spending choices. Youth practice budgeting and making spending choices.
Spring 2021
Kalama Intermediate
Makawao, Maui
screenshot from virtual spring 2021 cohort with Kalama Intermediate on Maui The program was delivered virtually due to COVID.
Summer 2021
PACT Hawaii
Kalihi, Oahu
Volunteer expert Josh talks about seeds during a gardening activity. Gardening expert Josh talks about seeds and soil health.
Expertise
Community experts share skills knowledge.
Mentorship
Teens mentor middle schoolers and work with adults. Village Yoga
Skill Mastery
Youth learn through hands-on learning. Village Gardening YAP
Articles
Learn More
Listen to a short PSA for the Maui Summer 2023 Cohort to learn more about the program.

Our Process
To represent progress in learning skills, knowledge, and information club members work together to complete a puzzle based on learning objectives composed of 4 areas: Head (Learning & Investing), Heart (Engaging & Grounding), Hands (Working & Exploring), and Health (Thriving & Building). Youth also collect Harmony cards for completing acts of Bravery, Cleverness, Loyalty, and Patience. Learn more on the How it Works page.

We would like to acknowledge and thank our funder, the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture - Children, Youth and Families At- Risk Sustainable Community Projects for their support of the Creating a Village project.