Professional development matters because it builds the knowledge, skills, and expertise of youth-serving professionals and organizations, enabling them to work more effectively and better support youth in building strong connections and developing the life skills needed for lasting well-being.
What We Offer
Anchorage Youth Development Coalition (AYDC) hosts interactive workshops and skills-based trainings for our youth-serving partners. Learn practical strategies rooted in Positive Youth Development, connect with peers, and build your skills. Sessions are offered both in person and online.
Who can attend these professional development sessions?
Anyone who works with youth, including educators, youth advocates, community partners, and social service providers.
Are these sessions free?
Yes! All workshops and trainings are free to attend.
About AYDC Professional Development
AYDC Professional Development Sessions
AYDC’s Professional Development sessions give people who work with youth ages 12-24 in Anchorage hands-on training based on Positive Youth Development. These sessions are interactive and led by skilled facilitators and are built for adults in youth-serving roles.
AYDC sessions are:
- Led by facilitators backed by research, proven frameworks, or real-world experience
- Designed for adult learners, so you’ll practice skills
- Focused on tools you can use right away in your everyday work
Focus Areas for 2026-2027
AYDC coalition members have identified four priority areas for professional development.
- Youth Mental Health, Social Emotional Learning & Wellness. This focus area covers the tools youth workers need to support young people’s emotional health. Sessions here dig into emotional regulation, mindfulness, and co-regulation (helping youth calm down by staying calm yourself). Learn practical strategies for managing stress and building resilience in youth.
- Youth Voice & Leadership. Want to help young people take the lead? This focus area is about building partnerships between youth and adults. Sessions cover how to create genuine engagement, share decision-making power, and support young people as they step into leadership roles and drive change in their communities.
- Improving Quality of Youth Programs. This focus area is about strengthening the day-to-day work of running a youth program. Sessions focus on strong facilitation skills, managing groups effectively, coaching techniques, and building trusting relationships. Learn interactive teaching methods that keep young people engaged.
- Collaboration, Partnerships & Funding Sustainability. This focus area helps organizations build partnerships across sectors, write stronger grant proposals, and blend different funding sources together. Sessions also cover how to keep programs sustainable for the long haul, so your work doesn’t stop when one grant ends. This is especially useful for program directors and anyone involved in funding decisions.
Impact of AYDC Professional Development
In 2026, sessions earned a 94% satisfaction rate, and 90% of participants plan to use what they learned.
Collaborate with Us
Interested in facilitating a workshop for AYDC?
Contact us to learn more.
Related Links
Explore the coalition and how to take part.
Learn about AYDC’s mission and who is involved.
Find resources and updates for AYDC members.
Supporters
This program is made possible by the State of Alaska Division of Behavioral Health, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, and AYDC sponsors.