Youth Researcher

Youth-engaged participatory action research (YPAR) is an innovative approach to positive youth and community development in which young people are trained to conduct systematic research to improve their lives, their communities, and the institutions intended to serve them. Youth Researchers are young people and partners in rigorous research inquiry to guide and inform collective action. Scholars interested in YPAR have notable investment in social justice and activist values. A Youth Researcher for a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project serves as a paid co-researcher who identifies issues affecting their community, designs research tools, collects data from peers, and advocates for social change.

Key Responsibilities

• Bring lived expertise and unique voice to a research team to study issues that matter to young people, improve communities, or educational opportunities.

• Help build youth-friendly questions, interview guides, or interactive focus groups.

• Lead interviews, facilitate focus groups with peers, or distribute surveys online and in person.

• Look at data, spot trends, and brainstorm reasons behind the results alongside adult research partners.

• Present your teams findings to community leaders, school boards, or policymakers though presentations, creative media, or reports.

Qualifications & Expectations

• No previous research experience is needed – we will train you on everything you need to know.

• Passionate about making a difference and helping other young people in your community or school.

• Comfortable working in a team, sharing your ideas, and listening to different viewpoints.

• Ability to attend weekly or bi-weekly workshops and stick to agree-upon project timelines.

• Be comfortable taking initiative and learning new skills.