The Legacy of Brenda Stark

A valuable member of Youth Opportunities Unlimited history, Brenda Stark devoted over two decades as a youth development worker.

Brenda Stark began her career at Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) in 1987 as a high school Work-In Coordinator at her alma mater, Collinwood High School. She assisted hundreds of students in the transition between school and work.

By 1992, she took what she was learned about student motivation and effective guidance and developed various new programs. She created “Planting the Seed,” an initiative aimed at instilling job readiness skills and behaviors in middle school students. What followed over the years was a parade of innovative programs developed by Brenda — Project CAST, ProPath, PEEKE (Partnerships, Exploration, Experience, Knowledge, Excellence). All of these programs centered on the interest of each student, letting them explore and pursue careers that spoke to their passions. 

In 2000, Brenda left Y.O.U. to become a Training Specialist for Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC), a global non-profit education research and development organization. At EDC, she continued to design and supervise career-oriented programs and curricula while also training others to provide youth development services.

Brenda returned to Y.O.U. in 2007 where she quickly took on a greater leadership role in the organization. Brenda’s impact included exponential growth in Y.O.U.’s summer jobs program and in the expanded integration of national best practices into Y.O.U. operations. Perhaps most importantly, Brenda inspired her colleagues on a daily basis with her passionate commitment.

Brenda especially believed in youth and devoted her life to seeing that their aspirations were realized.

A force for hope, Brenda Stark was a powerful, loving, life-giving presence. She believed in people and their possibilities for growth. Brenda especially believed in youth and devoted her life to seeing that their aspirations were realized. She was a creative, inspiring teacher who believed that education could transform the lives of the youth she cared so deeply about. By the time of her passing, Brenda had positively affected the lives of thousands and had profoundly influenced how youth development work is achieved. 

Established in 2021, the Brenda Stark Award pays tribute to Brenda’s incredible legacy while celebrating her life.