@article{silliman_edwards_johnson_2020, title={Long-term effects of youth work internship: The Project Youth Extension Service approach}, volume={119}, ISSN={["1873-7765"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105436}, abstractNote={A mixed-methods evaluation research study found that up to six years after engaging in a youth work internship, young adults (N = 54) continued to regard that training and experience (T&E) as highly important for their current work. Over 60% of respondents rated internship T&E as important or extremely important for performance on 36 of 40 competencies targeted. Competencies most valued are also critical to effectiveness in high-intensity, high-demand settings, including composure under stress, adapting to change, sustaining a positive approach. Respondents also offered their retrospective views affirming the importance of T&E for performance during internships. Recent (1–2 year alumni) and past (3–6 year alumni) interns' views of training effects were equally positive. Qualitative comments identified personal competencies (organization, confidence) as well as professional competencies (leadership, programming skills, communication) and career direction as significant benefits. Implications for practice, research, and policy are discussed.}, journal={CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW}, author={Silliman, Benjamin and Edwards, Harriett C. and Johnson, James C.}, year={2020}, month={Dec} }
 @article{silliman_edwards_johnson_2020, title={Preparing Capable Youth Workers: The Project Youth Extension Service Approach}, volume={15}, ISSN={["2325-4017"]}, DOI={10.5195/jyd.2020.824}, abstractNote={The Project Youth Extension Service (YES!) college student internship integrates pre-service training on youth worker competencies with a year or more of practice experience in leading positive youth development programs for military youth impacted by the military deployment process. For nearly a decade, interns have reported significant improvement in 37 behavioral competencies, with 24 indicators improving .50 or more on a 5-point scale. Areas of greatest growth include practices critical to youth worker effectiveness and program quality: self-regulation, interaction, and adaptation in high-intensity settings. Qualitative comments indicate growth in personal maturity (e.g., composure, flexibility, openness to feedback) as well as professional growth (e.g., listening, organization, presentation, teamwork), and empathy for youth and families under stress. Intern growth was also observed by trainers and mentors. Program feedback from youth and event coordinators was consistently positive. Interns also benefited from working with a career mentor. Blended online and on-site training, episodic scheduling, and scaffolded leadership offer effective and efficient methods for programming and professional development. Findings point to the value of intensive and extended training focused on experiential learning, critical reflection, and mentoring, together with background knowledge on military culture, military family life, and youth development. The program model, full results, conclusions, recommendations for practice, and opportunities for improvement are discussed.}, number={1}, journal={JOURNAL OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT}, author={Silliman, Benjamin and Edwards, Harriett C. and Johnson, James C.}, year={2020}, pages={122–149} }