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Author Korey J. Strozier, MA.
In the realm of youth-oriented programs, the "Open Doors" approach has been gaining attention for its effectiveness. However, success in these programs isn't merely a matter of following a set procedure, script, or blueprint. I believe that the crux of these programs' success lies in their non-transactional nature, particularly in the realm of relationship building between staff and students.
At the heart of many Open Doors programs is the understanding that a significant number of young people carry a deep-seated mistrust towards systems and authorities. This mistrust is often rooted in past experiences, societal structures, or personal challenges. To navigate and eventually dismantle these walls of mistrust, staff members must be more than just facilitators; they must become allies, mentors, and genuine supporters of their students.
Building these relationships cannot be transactional – that is, it cannot be based on the premise of mere give-and-take. It demands an intentional, consistent, and empathetic approach. Staff members must invest time in understanding each student’s unique background, challenges, and aspirations. This investment goes beyond the confines of the program’s make up, curriculum, and activities. It involves creating a safe space where students feel valued, heard, and understood.
Such relationship building is critical in making students feel part of a community rather than just participants in a program. When students sense this level of care and commitment, their walls of mistrust begin to lower. This doesn't happen overnight, but through persistent and genuine interactions. Whether it’s through one-on-one conversations, group discussions, or informal interactions, every moment is an opportunity to strengthen these relationships.
Furthermore, these non-transactional relationships foster a sense of ownership and belonging among the youth. They begin to see the Open Doors program not just as a service provided to them but as a shared journey towards their educational goals, personal growth and overall development. This shift in perspective is crucial for the program’s impact to be deep and lasting.
In essence, the success of Open Doors programs hinges on this fundamental shift from transactional to relational dynamics. It's about seeing and treating each student not as a beneficiary of a service, but as a unique individual with their own story, potential, and dreams. By doing so, programs will do MORE than just open doors; they'll build bridges of trust and understanding that can support young individuals in their journey towards a brighter, more empowered future.
Korey Strozier works for the King County Department of Community and Human Services where he manages Youthsource and provides Open Doors Youth Reengagement. His article was originally published via LinkedIn.
Want to connect with Korey? Contact him!
Korey J. Strozier, M.A
Youthsource Manager | Project/Program Manager IV
Department of Community and Human Services| CYYAD
phone: 206.218.8585| @: kstrozier@kingcounty.gov
Follow Youthsource on INSTAGRAM
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Read the outcomes report examining Open Doors Youth Reengagement students served spanning 2015-2021. This report resulted from the Community Partnerships for Reengagement Initiative (CPRI), a collaboration between Education Northwest and OSPI. The report, authored by Education Northwest, includes a variety of findings and considerations for continuous learning and improvement across the Open Doors system.
The State Board of Education (SBE) will host a public hearing on WAC 180-111. Proposed rules will modify the waiver of graduation requirements that districts may grant to qualifying students graduating in the 2023-24 school year by allowing the waiver of the graduation pathway requirement under certain circumstances in addition to the waiver of one credit graduation requirement. Learn more about SBE by visiting the SBE website.
When: March 13, 2024, at 12:30 p.m.
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87891941209
Intended adoption date: April 11, 2024
Comment: Submit public comment via email at rulescoordinatorSBE@k12.wa.us by March 30.
Background:
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SBE adopted emergency rules for an emergency waiver program that permitted districts and other local educational agencies to waive graduation requirements for individual students. The purpose of the waiver program was to provide a last resort option to allow students whose education had been disrupted by the pandemic to graduate. SBE later adopted permanent rules and extended the waiver to allow for qualifying students graduating in 2022-23 to waive two credit graduation requirements and the pathway requirement, and for students graduating in 2023-24 to waive one credit graduation requirement.
Looking for detailed information on diploma earning in Washington state? See the resources below:
The League of Education Voters is hosting a free webinar to discuss how Washington state colleges and institutions are working to help students understand and manage the financial aid delays related to the federal rollout of the FAFSA.
Hear from leaders representing Washington’s colleges, including our community and technical colleges, and the Washington Student Achievement Council.
Register today: How Our Institutions are Accommodating and Navigating the Delay in Higher Education Financial Aid for 2024
Check out Tacoma Public School’s approach to combat health care worker shortages. They have launched the Health Care Careers Academy, enrolling 350 students between two high schools. This hands-on program provides valuable experience and introduces students to various health care professions and career paths. While it exists as a CTE program, Open Doors Youth Reengagement programs could create and launch similar initiatives. Read the full story via KING-TV (Seattle).
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Career Connect Washington (CCW) is a statewide network of business, labor, education, and community leaders creating work-based and academic programs for young people in Washington. Their collective work aims to help students explore, prepare, and launch themselves into college and careers.
Check out the collection of short Career Connect Washington videos for inspiration and ideas.
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 Juvenile Justice Impacted Students - Systems, Impacts, and Skills for Reengagement
Trainer: Relevant Engagement, with Rashad Norris and Michael Tuncap
This in-person training defines and explains the juvenile justice system and offers networking with peers. Please attend one of the following dates:
Reimagining Resilience: Trauma-informed practices for buffering adults
The training will be held in Wenatchee and offered as the Institutional Education Conference’s Professional Development Day (Open Doors staff strongly encouraged to attend).
This day-long session will impart direct social-emotional learning (SEL) and regulation strategies that help sustain well-being. Learning can be applied for adults and youth.
Announcement: The renowned Sean Goode will be sharing his insight and wisdom with us as our keynote speaker! This extra-special part of the day is sponsored by our partners in Juvenile Justice and Institutional Education.
- This is an in-person training day and a pre-conference option for the Institutional Education conference.
- Want to learn more about the Conference? Contact Ada Daniels, Lead Institutional Schools Program Supervisor at OSPI: Daniels@k12.wa.us
May 8 training: Lodging details
A courtesy block of hotel rooms exits for the Institutional Education Conference, including the training on May 8. Each is at the state per diem rate of $107 and provides breakfast. The cutoff date is quickly approaching to receive the guaranteed rate, please reach out to one of the hotels to make your reservation.
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Springhill Suites Wenatchee – 1730 N. Wenatchee Ave. You can click the link the link to make your reservation Book your group rate for OSPI. This hotel is less than 2 miles away from the Confluence Technology Center.
- The cutoff date to be guaranteed a room is March 15.
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Holiday Inn Express – 1921 N. Wenatchee Ave. You can click on the link to make your reservation Book your stay at Holiday Inn Express – Use the booking instructions: Group Name: OSPI; Block Code: OSP; Group Rate: $107 or call the hotel directly 509-663-6355. This hotel is less than 2 miles away from the Confluence Technology Center.
- The cutoff date to be guaranteed a room is March 15.
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Comfort Suites – 195 East Penny Road. To make a reservation within the group block just call the hotel direct at 509-662-1818. Tell the front desk agent that you want to make a reservation with the OSPI-Office of Superintendents group block. This hotel is less than a mile away from the Confluence Technology Center.
- The cutoff date to be guaranteed a room is April 6.
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GATE Equity Webinar Series - Regular monthly webinars. Information and registration available through the GATE website.
- March 13: Financial Literacy & Asset-based Engagement
- April 10: Systems & Interventions for Attendance & Reengagement
- May 8: Student Pathways to Career Opportunity
Past Newsletters:
Check our website for previous years' newsletter topics.
Mandy Paradise,
M.Ed
Open Doors
Program Supervisor
Email Mandy
360-789-3949
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