WGU YOUTH PROGRAM
WGU YOUTH PROGRAM
The purpose of the WGU Youth Program is to amplify Youth Voices. We create a platform where youth are given a space to be part of the decision-making process to create social change.Youth develop and implement community based projects, and lead educational workshops, known as empowerment sessions.The program aims to build unity amongst youth in tackling health disparities in Boston. Youth will work together and connect with others from all across Massachusetts.
Previous projects
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Our youth spoke to ‘The 74 Million’ about the importance of advocating for the allocation of resources and services to at-risk Black and Brown communities during the pandemic.
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In the past two years, our youth team has led projects focused on raising awareness of COVID disparities. They have led educational sessions for over 30 organizations ranging from the Madison Park Development Corporation to Interfaith Youth Core. They have distributed over 2,000 PPE supplies in communities at greater risk of COVID-19.
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The youth team produced and developed a PSA discussing the importance of getting the Covid-19 vaccine. Watch it below!
our youth led vaccine Psa
Youth Empowerment Sessions
If you are interested in having the youth lead an empowerment session on the importance of youth voice or other topics not mentioned below, please let us know.
Mental Health
Our empowerment Session for Mental Health provides youth an opportunity to become more aware of their mental health and discuss challenging stereotypes associated with it. Youth learn ways to support themselves and others to ensure their health and well-being are prioritized.
Diabetes
Our empowerment session for Diabetes is about what diabetes is, the disparities associated with the disease, how it affects the body, and how to treat it.
covid-19
Our empowerment session for COVID-19 focuses on understanding how this virus affects the body and the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine.
medical racism
Our empowerment session for Medical Racism focuses on taking a deep dive into the historical roots of medical racism and understanding steps made towards ensuring communities are being heard and respected by the health system.
Youth Team
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Youth Team 〰️
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Hi! I’m Elijah Greene and I enjoy playing the baritone saxophone, writing, and learning about history! In the future, I hope to practice Human Rights Law at the international level. I joined We Got Us because I wanted to make long-term changes in our communities, ones that don’t last a weekend but rather an entire lifetime and We Got Us does exactly that.
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My name is Ira Habiba, I’m a senior in high school and my career interests are biology and forensic science. In school, I’m a member of the debate and drama club. I joined WGU during my sophomore year as a means of volunteering remotely. By junior year, I started attending and participating in person events that made me feel connected with my community. I want to use my position to help others and push for change. Through We Got Us, I’ve had the privilege of learning about people’s stories and experiences that shape their lives today. In my free time, I’m a creative, my hobbies range from photography to crocheting and painting, but I’ll usually have a kdrama playing on the side.
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Hi! My name is Markelos Papa, I am Greek and Albanian, raised in Greece, and I joined We Got Us as a sophomore in high school. I decided to participate in the program because of my interest in educating people in my community about healthcare options regarding COVID-19 and other relevant health related issues. I also hope to actively engage with others through volunteering events around Boston. I love to play soccer, learn different languages, and travel! Furthermore, We Got Us has helped me discover options about my future in healthcare and has opened up many opportunities for me. So, I hope to do the same and provide help to many others for a better future!
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My name is Nghi H. and I initially joined We Got Us to dissipate misunderstandings relating to the COVID vaccine. Much like other families, my family was wary of the effects of the vaccine, trusting misconceptions from the news. WGU sparked my interest in its mission to demystify such beliefs, especially in low-income or minority communities. I look forward to empowering our community beyond COVID with the WGU team, as well!
Interested in getting involved?
We are open to high school students from 9th to 12th grade who demonstrate an interest in public health.
If you are interested in joining the We Got Us Youth Team, please reach out below or email us at youth@wegotusproject.org
