Nationally Recognized Youth Engagement Program Inspires Utah Students
Representatives of a nationally recognized youth empowerment program, Cool Speak, visited West Lake Junior High School in West Valley City, Utah, to inspire seventh grade students to prepare for the future. The three-day camp was aimed at middle school students to help them develop confidence and plan to attend college one day. The event was hosted by Utah State University STARS GEAR UP.
Students practicing self-wroth techniques
West Lake Jr High participants!
Tearing down the mountain of negativity
“This camp is getting students excited about GEAR UP,” said GEAR UP program coordinator Monique Squire. “They’re going to tell all of their friends and family about their good experience here and come to our activities this fall,” she said.
Students completed various activities that were designed to build resilience and promote feelings of self-worth. One activity involved creating a symbolic “mountain” covered in sticky notes, each labeled with negative messages students had internalized or heard from others. On the final day, students tore down the mountain by ripping up the sticky notes and throwing them away.
In another activity, “Let’s Get Together,” students formed groups of specific sizes, reinforcing the idea that support systems are essential. “It taught me to make people feel included,” said Addy, a West Lake Junior High student.
The camp also featured “A Really Big Game Show,” where students learned facts about college, including that graduates earn $1.2 million more over their lifetimes than non-graduates. Leaders said that obtaining an education is a way to love yourself.
“College can fundamentally change the trajectory of your family,” said Lamarr Womble, a Cool Speak leader.
The students participating in this camp are just beginning their participation with GEAR UP, a federally funded grant program that works with students in middle and high schools in low-income areas to provide college and career readiness and support. GEAR UP program coordinators hope the successful camp will set a positive tone for the upcoming school year.
Survey responses from students described the camp as “fun,” “energetic,” “inspirational,” and “motivational.”
Cool Speak will lead 23 similar camps across the country this summer.