Britt Weidman grew up in Klamath Falls and like many teens, looked forward to leaving and attending a large college after high school. She began her studies at the University of Oregon but after a year there, realized she loved her hometown and wanted to return. She enrolled at Oregon Tech and finished her Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology in 2015.
One of her first interviews when applying for work after college was at a non-profit organization called Youth Rising. It was a brand new idea in town that was founded by local youth, parents and agencies in 2014. As stated on the website, “The movement was formed by those who saw a gap in services for teens, and the need for a vehicle where young people could use their voices, discovered strengths, and lived experiences to improve outcomes and opportunities for themselves and for their peers.” Britt was excited for an opportunity to use her psychology degree in order to help youth in her town. She began working there as a coordinator and is now a program manager.
Teens who visit Youth Rising are offered a safe haven to hang out after school. Tutoring services are offered as well as various volunteer opportunities, leadership and employment workshops, and frequent guest speakers. Britt sees her role as a mentor and attends community meetings, builds partnerships with other businesses and organizations, creates relationships within the schools, and recruits the teens. She also leads the YR Theater Troupe, YR Mad Skills Program and Youth Rising’s Sources of Strength Suicide Prevention Program. Britt also plans the events during the school year and summer and manages the Drop-In Center with her colleague, Hana. The innovative model at Youth Rising is youth led and youth driven and Britt hopes to continue growing her role there. To read a recent article in the Herald and News about Youth Rising and their brand new location, click HERE.
As a student at Oregon Tech, Britt enjoyed staying active with intramural sports and with the outdoor program. These days, when not working at Youth Rising, you can find Britt serving at the Klamath Basin Brewery (fondly known as The Creamery) or spending time outdoors with her four dogs. Eventually, she would love to operate a dog shelter.
As an alumna, Oregon Tech has a special place in Britt’s heart considering her mother, Kristy Weidman, is an assistant professor in the business management department at the university. You can still find Britt supporting the Hustlin’ Owls at basketball games – Go Owls! Further, she would like to offer internships at Youth Rising for other psychology, communications and business/marketing majors. Britt loves her community and wants to see it grow and become an even better place for teens, parents and families.
~Becky Burkeen, Alumni Relations Manager