Small house, big difference: Youth Network offers development programs for young boys.

Childhood and adolescence are critical times of development for young people. That's why faculty and students in the nonprofit management program seized the opportunity to be a part of the Youth Network House--a place where young boys can go each Saturday to receive motivation, self-confidence and guidance.

The Youth Network House is a collaborative effort between three partners--High Point University, the Guilford County Resource and Referral Center and Christ United Methodist Church. Members from each of the three organizations, including students studying nonprofit management at HPU, mentor the children and create programs that foster their development at the house in a nearby neighborhood.

Dr. Pamela Palmer, assistant professor of Nonprofit Leadership and Management, says the first official session of the Youth Network House, held on Saturday mornings from September through December 2012, impacted the lives of area children and HPU students alike.

"In our first official session, 30 HPU students served as volunteers," says Palmer. "The primary focus for the youth at that time was becoming a leader in their community through developing their interpersonal skills on: L=listening, E=empower, A=attitude, D=dream, E=education, R=respect, S=self-confidence, H=honesty, I=inspire, P=problem-solving. Our students led them through lessons in all of those areas and taught them how to remain focused on living positive, healthy lifestyles. The boys never wanted to go home and always look forward to coming each Saturday."

Junior Victoria Richards is volunteering to create and teach the lessons at the house on Saturdays. The experience has prepared her for a career in counseling which she will pursue after graduation, but it's also included moments of pleasant surprise.

"While the boys look to us for inspiration, I've come to...