Empowering Youth Through Creative Hands-On Projects

Empowering youth is at the heart of what we do at The COOP Concept.

We carefully design every session to equip our youth participants with real-world skills,

foster strong communication, and inspire creativity. Hands-on learning experiences

build confidence and prepare young individuals for future success through youth skill

development.

Our dedicated team leaders, Victoria and Kellie, mentor and guide our youth employees

several times weekly. Through engaging projects and meaningful collaborations, they

provide opportunities for youth to develop essential job readiness and entrepreneurship

skills, enhance their creativity, and build a foundation for professional and personal

growth.

Youth Skill Development Through Weekly Programs

Victoria and Kellie focus on teaching COOP youth job readiness, entrepreneurial skills,

and other essential life skills that prepare them for the real world. They work with youth

participants every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, tailoring each session to address

different aspects of skill-building and community engagement.

Wednesdays at Kingston High School: Learning Responsibility Through Service

Every Wednesday, our youth employees take the lead in managing the Kingston High

School Free Store. This hands-on experience goes beyond simply restocking

shelves—it teaches them organization, inventory management, teamwork, and

customer service. They learn about the importance of accessibility in the community

while implementing entrepreneurial and problem-solving strategies. These young

leaders gain practical experience in running a small operation, understanding

responsibility, and working collaboratively to ensure the Free Store remains a valuable

resource for students in need.

Mindful Tween Art Group on Fridays

Fridays, the focus is on fostering creativity and emotional wellness through art.

Participants explore various mediums, encouraging self-expression and mindfulness.

Exploring different art forms, participants develop patience, focus, and confidence in

their abilities. Whether working with paint, sculpture, or mixed media, these sessions

provide a supportive environment where creativity and emotional wellness intersect.

TWEEN art!

Saturday Sessions: Entrepreneurship and Hands-On Craftsmanship

Saturdays are all about innovation and entrepreneurship. Youth participants focus on

product creation, marketing strategies, and community outreach initiatives. Our team

has concentrated on indoor projects that blend creativity with practical youth skill

development throughout the winter months. One key initiative has been designing and

producing leather and wine cork earrings, allowing participants to refine their

craftsmanship while learning about product development and market demand.

Beyond crafting, they have gained hands-on experience with tools and technology.

They successfully assembled a leather-cutting machine, troubleshooting and problem-

solving when faced with challenges. This process strengthened their technical skills and

built resilience and perseverance—key traits in both business and life.

Using tools!

In addition to product creation, COOP youth have taken their marketing skills to the next

level by experimenting with product photography. They’ve learned how to capture high-

quality images of handmade items, such as cups, hats, and birdhouses, to promote on

our website. Understanding branding, presentation, and digital marketing strategies has

given them insight into how businesses create compelling online presences.

Building a Stronger Future

The COOP Concept continues to provide local youth with empowering opportunities to

learn, grow, and meaningfully contribute to their community through these valuable,

hands-on learning experiences. By focusing on empowering youth and youth skill

development, we help create future career opportunities, personal growth, and a

stronger sense of purpose.

Check our blog regularly so you don’t miss any updates as we continue to empower the

next generation through hands-on learning and creative entrepreneurship!