Columbia Association Youth and Teen Center at The Barn Partnership Promotes Self-Esteem and Community Service

March 14th, 2014

Columbia Association’s Youth and Teen Center (YTC) at The Barn has partnered with the Howard County Public School System to offer year-round educational and recreational programs for youth and teens. The partnership will be formalized with an official signing Mon., March 17 at 3:30 p.m. at The Barn, 5853 Robert Oliver Pl., Columbia.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, the YTC will provide opportunities for students to participate in a variety of programs available at the YTC that promote leadership skills, self-esteem and encourage community service. The YTC also will collaborate with Oakland Mills Middle and High Schools to support positive behavior programs at each school. In line with the Vision 2018 strategic plan, this partnership supports collaborations with community organizations to provide whole day well-being.

Howard County Board of Education Member Sandra French and HCPSS Executive Director of School Improvement and Administration Frank V. Eastham Jr. will join Columbia Association President Phillip Nelson, Division Director of Community Services Leslie Barnett, Youth and Teen Programs Manager Rene Buckmon and Youth and Teen Programs Coordinator M. Safire Windley to sign the formal partnership agreement at the March 17 event.

Columbia Association’s Youth and Teen Center at The Barn (www.columbiaassociation.com/facilities/youth-teen-center) provides safe options for teens and pre-teens to socialize and participate in recreational and educational programs. Columbia and Howard County youth ages 9 to 18 are welcomed year round with after-school, summertime and weekend activities and programs that are designed to promote self-esteem and to develop life skills.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office (www.hcpss.org/aboutus/partnership) unites businesses and community organizations with schools to enhance the educational experience. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses, and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.