Youth Program

The WOW! Youth Program is an initiative of the WOW! Forum, developed to introduce young women from area high schools to a career oriented, professional development opportunity.

Prompted by the annual attendance of 200 high school seniors, the WOW! Youth Committee strives each year to address the interests and needs of this group of young women.

Schedule

7:30 AM	Registration & Continental Breakfast at Warner Theatre
8:30 AM	Welcoming Remarks, Morning Speaker
10:00 AM	Youth Speaker, Susan Burton

	Susan Burton, MA, LPC, NCDFI, CRC Susan M. Burton is a licensed professional counselor through the CT Department of Public Health and is a National Career Development Facilitator training instructor. Besides her work as an educator/counselor/trainer in State service for twenty-three years, she worked as an adjunct faculty trainer at Assumption College, is a member and trainer of CT State Training Directors Network and a member of The American Counseling Association. Susan was the recipient of the Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce 2009 Hall of Fame Award and the State of CT Service of Excellence for the Department of Social Services in 2008. She holds a Master’s Degree in counseling from St. Joseph College and her undergraduate degree from Northeastern University and certification from the University of Hartford in “Leadership and Talent Management”. Susan is committed to working with employers and students in northwest Connecticut providing training in leadership and supporting personal and professional development activities. She is on the Board of Directors for the NW CT Chamber, Past Chair of Membership Services, an Advisor for Leadership Northwest and a member of Community Council. Other awards include: Distinguished Service Award from the Department of Education and a Team Partnering Collaboration Acknowledgment from the Governor’s Service Award Committee. She recently received the “Independent Living Award” for Outstanding Advocacy in Support of Community Living for people with disabilities. Susan resides in Litchfield County with her husband Tom and their two children, Sarah and Chase along with her black lab, “Buck” and is an active community volunteer.
11:30 AM	Buffet Lunch at Bogey's Restaurant (across the street from Warner Theatre)
1:00 PM	WOW! Speaker, Lynn Sherr
2:30 PM	Conclusion of the WOW! Youth Program

What students are saying about WOW! Youth............

“Because I thought it would be motivating, inspirational and a great experience........it was!”

“ It sounded like a strong program to put reality into perspective. I'm glad I attended.”

“I wanted to know how other women's roles in the world help in the community.”

“I wanted to learn more on how to be more assertive and how to enjoy life and be a team leader. It was great!”

“It was a great opportunity as a young adult to see what our role in society could hold.”

“I learned about my myself.”

“A teacher approached me about it so I gave it a shot and I am so happy that I had the opportunity to be a part of this. Thank you."

“I would recommend that all future seniors attend the WOW! Youth Program.”

“I learned that you could do anything you set your mind to and that you should never give up because giving up is when you fail.”

“It was a good program to be a part of because I learned so much and it inspired me to take charge of my future."