Show All Answers

1. What is Youth Allies®?

Youth Allies^® is a new program that aligns with the purposes and practices of the Allies in Community^® program. The program is tailored for high school students (grades 9-12). 

2. Why did Youth Allies® begin?

The idea for Youth Allies^® came to fruition with the initial planning for Allies in Community^® in the 2016 community engagement surveys and focus groups. A call for youth programming has continued since that time. Like Allies in Community^®, Youth Allies^® aligns with the City of Coppell’s goals of fostering a learning environment for residents that promotes inclusion, connection, and belonging. It offers young participants an environment that builds confidence, leadership, and interpersonal communication skills in the Coppell community and beyond.

3. What will Youth Allies® do?

Youth Allies® provides learning opportunities to that help Coppell youth build a sense of belonging and unity while also acquiring leadership skills to benefit themselves and their communities. The pilot program will help youth connect with each other through a fun, highly interactive workshop designed to build self-awareness and new skills. 

4. How is Youth Allies® like the Allies in Community® program?

The Youth Allies^® program tailors Allies in Community^® concepts for high school-age youth in the City of Coppell. Like the Allies in Community^® work, Youth Allies^® will explore leadership and help build belonging in one’s social groups and communities. It also adheres to the key concepts of City of Coppell Vision 2040.

5. What qualities are we looking for in Youth Allies®?

Youth who care. We are looking for young leaders who are passionate and who resonate with these Traits of a Youth Ally. 
Youth who are willing to help. We seek those who demonstrate the qualities of compassion, empathy and service. 
Youth who demonstrate leadership. We want both identified leaders and leaders who are currently unrecognized (either by the school community or themselves). These leaders should show curiosity and desire to learn, and should lead when no one is looking. 

6. What is the criteria to join?

Participants must be in grades 9-12. Participants must be either students residing in Coppell (including home or private schools) OR students enrolled in Coppell ISD (including students who live outside of the City of Coppell). There is no GPA requirement. 

7. Who can participate?

Youth Allies^® is broadly inclusive and participants can come from all backgrounds, cultures, economic statuses, social circles, and levels of academic and athletic achievement. 

DEI-B inclusivity statement: It is the City of Coppell’s policy not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, handicap, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status in activities, services or employment practices in accepting people into the Youth Allies^® program.

ADA Compliance Statement: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the City of Coppell will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in the City's services, programs, or activities. Input, questions, or requests should be directed to the City of Coppell ADA Coordinator.

8. When will Youth Allies® launch?

Youth Allies® will pilot on Saturday, September 24th from 10 am – 4 pm (6 hours), at Cozby Library and Community Commons. There will be up to 40 participants chosen through an application process. Applications are open through September 6, 2022. 

9. Why is Youth Allies® a pilot program? Will there be more opportunities to join Youth Allies®?

A pilot program allows organizers to evaluate the response to the program’s content as well as the opportunity to refine it further to ensure the City of Coppell and DiversityWealth LLC provide the most impactful and worthwhile experience for the youth of the community. We will know more about the future of Youth Allies® after the pilot program is complete and will communicate that information as it becomes available.

10. Can participation in Youth Allies® be used to satisfy service hour requirements for National Honor Society or other academic programs?

No. Youth Allies® is designed to be an enriching experience for everybody. In the spirit of inclusivity and authenticity, it is important that participation is based on the desire to grow as a leader and contribute to the mission of Youth Allies® rather than a means to fulfill service hour requirements.