Youth Resource Mapping

Project Overview

The Youth Resource Mapping Project is an ongoing, comprehensive geographical assessment of the programs and services that are available to youth in Syracuse and Onondaga County. The Community Geographer began work on the Project in November 2005 in collaboration with Family Ties Network, Inc., a local non-profit agency that works to promote the health and well-being of individuals and families and reduce teen pregnancies through education and advocacy. The Syracuse Community Services Project, a coalition of Syracuse community members dedicated to addressing the challenges Syracuse faces through collaboration and hands-on service, also plays an important role in the Project by advising the Community Geographer and providing support and suggestions for project development.

The Project stemmed from a concern that programs and services for youth may not be geographically accessible, and that there may not be adequate programs in the community to address the many challenges youth in both Syracuse and Onondaga face, such as hunger, school completion, delinquency, violence, and higher than average rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI). Toward this end, the Youth Resource Mapping Project was designed to:

1. Raise community awareness about activities and services available to young people;
2. Assist social service agencies in referring their young clients to appropriate programs and services;
3. Investigate geographic access barriers that may hinder youth service utilization; and
4. Call attention to gaps and duplication in youth services so that our resources may be more effectively targeted.

Youth Resources Survey

Youth programming and service information was gathered through a survey distributed in July 2006 to over 300 community-based organizations, social service and governmental agencies, and public libraries in Syracuse and surrounding areas. The survey captured information on the types of programs offered, population served, eligibility restrictions, the availability of snacks and meals, and public transportation. Over 200 surveys were returned.

Report to the Community

In January 2007, a presentation of survey findings was made to participating organizations and community members to share results and generate discussion on next steps. Data collection continues in an effort to create a comprehensive resource list of youth service providers. We welcome providers who did not participate in the survey to do so by completing the online survey.

To review the presentation given in January 2007, click here. To access the list of survey respondents, click here.

Youth Resource Google Map

In an effort to raise awareness about the wealth of programs and services available to youth in our community, an interactive Google map providing information on surveyed programs is available at http://mapit.maxwell.syr.edu/youth/.

Downloadable Maps

Downloadable thematic maps are available to support education and outreach campaigns, program planning, and grant writing. To download youth-related maps, click on the links below. Check back for downloadable maps displaying the locations of youth resources at a later date.  The interactive Google map of youth resources can be viewed at http://mapit.maxwell.syr.edu/youth/.

• Syracuse Population < 18 years (PDF | GIF)
• Syracuse Families Living Below the Federal Poverty Level (PDF | GIF)
• Syracuse Families with Children < 18 years Living below the Federal Poverty Level (PDF | GIF)
• Syracuse Latino Population (PDF | GIF)
• Onondaga County Population < 18 years (PDF | GIF)
• Onondaga County Families Living Below the Federal Poverty Level (PDF | GIF)
• Onondaga County Families with Children < 18 years Living below the Federal Poverty Level (PDF | GIF)

Useful Resources for Youth Development

To access a list of nationally recognized youth development resources, click here. Many of the websites include program planning manuals, examples of best practices, program evaluation and assessment tools, and research findings.

Next Steps

The Community Geographer will continue exploring issues related to accessibility barriers. As new information becomes available, it will be provided to the community.

Links

Interactive Google map 

Youth resource survey

Youth resource community presentation

Presentation data sources

Survey participants

Youth development resources