The Woodland Public Library received a grant from the California State Library to host a series of life-skills workshops called “Skills for Teen Parents” or STeP.

STeP started in January with 6 young moms ranging in age from 17-20 and ended in May with an intimate graduation celebration. The moms participated in 10 workshops where they learned a wide range of skills from experts in the following fields :STeP Schedule Official.

The graduation ceremony started with a special guest speaker, Dr. Maria Armstrong, Superintendent of Woodland Joint Unified School District. Dr. Armstrong said she could not pass up on the chance to talk with the teen moms, as she was one herself. Her story, really resonated with the young moms and inspired them to believe in themselves.

After Dr. Armstrong spoke, each girl came up to speak about what they learned and enjoyed most about the program. While a few were shy, they spoke well and confidently about their experience and goals for the future. Here is an example of what a positive impact STeP has made for these young moms:

Flowers that were donated and put together by Literacy and local florist

Literacy Workshop with the Children’s librarian and Literacy Coordinator

Pediatric First Aid Workshop with a School Nurse

Learning to cook healthy recipes with Yolo County’s Nutrition Education Program

Dress for Success and Interview Job Skills with UC Davis Early Academic Outreach Program

Graduation Ceremony

With the Library Director and laptop prizes for perfect attendance.

STeP is supported in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State  Librarian and the Friends of the Woodland Public Library and City of Woodland Measure J funds.

Thank you to our numerous community partners and   sponsors: Woodland Joint Unified School District, Yolo County Adolescent Family Life Program, Yolo Center for Families, UC Davis Early Academic Outreach Program, Empower Yolo, Travis Credit Union, Brian Pakpour Law, Yolo County Department of Child Support Services and UC Cooperative     Extension.