Youth Teaching Youth Changes Lives.

Now in its 19th year, Youth Teaching Youth (YTY) is the Museum's premiere science education program for underserved youth in the Glendale neighborhood – one of Salt Lake City’s most ethnically diverse and economically challenged areas.

As a multi-year mentoring program for middle and high school students, YTY is firmly grounded in science education and leadership development through:

• Hands-on science education equipping students to teach science to others
• Long-term, peer to peer mentoring opportunities
• State-wide travel opportunities to work with NHMU scientists in field-based research
• College preparation and state-wide school visits
• Exposure to science professionals and STEM-oriented career opportunities

Youth Teaching Youth: In the Classroom

In middle school, YTY students use the Museum’s rich teaching collections to create their own lessons about fossils, the Great Salt Lake, and geology to teach to their younger 4th grade peers. In the process, they build essential leadership and communication skills, create lasting relationships, and begin thinking about STEM-focused career opportunities.

Recently: YTY kids led a group of 25 4th grade students on a daylong trip to the Great Salt Lake.

Youth Teaching Youth: Exploring our Environment

Through YTY, students can explore Utah and see – first hand – the amazing natural history of our incredible state. They work with Museum scientists to learn how to conduct field-based research, then design and implement their own research projects. Recently YTY students traveled to:

• The Museum’s Range Creek Canyon Field Station to learn how to conduct archaeological field research
• Mesa Verde National Park to study anthropology
• Fossil Butte National Monument to undestand the science behind studying fossils
• Zion National Park to research geology and understand how water – over millions of years – has carved out our spectacular southern Utah canyons

Youth Teaching Youth: Your Impact

The strength of the Youth Teaching Youth program is the long-term, year-round mentorship offered for up to seven years. The consistency helps underserved youth meet the challenges associated with completing high school and offers positive role models to help them make thoughtful decisions.

A gift to YTY – in any amount – supports this incredible program and changes the life of our youth right here in Salt Lake City.