The Underrated Power of Informal Education

How Informal Education Drives Leadership Development

When we talk about education, we often focus on what happens inside the classroom. But before-school programs, after-school care, extracurricular activities, and summer camps play a vital role in shaping a child’s success—especially for underserved youth.

One of the most important things I learned as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters is that every child, regardless of their home life or circumstances, needs at least three positive adult influences in their life. For many kids, those figures include teachers, coaches, mentors, and community leaders. But for children who don’t have the two parent support system at home, these programs become even more essential in providing guidance, structure, and opportunity for the additional adult influences.

Why These Programs Matter More Than We Realize

Education isn’t just about knowledge—it’s a mix of experience, exposure, and mentorship. Before and after-school programs, extracurricular activities, and summer camps provide all three in a way that a classroom setting may not be able to. They:

✅ Offer mentorship & guidance – Many youth workers and volunteers unknowingly become a child’s "third adult", providing support where it's needed most. While classroom teachers certainly fill this role as well, it can be harder for a classroom teacher to foster that relationship with each student and some classroom teachers are not comfortable blurring the lines with their students and families between in school and after school life.  

✅ Develop character & leadership – Without the pressure of academic expectations, these programs create opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and decision-making.     

✅ Expose kids to new opportunities – Career exploration, teamwork, and problem-solving all take root in these informal learning spaces. Many times these organizations are not tied to curriculum expectations, standards or testing requirements allowing them to embrace a wider variety of experiences for their youth. 

✅ Fill critical gaps – For kids without a stable home environment, these programs become their safe space to grow, connect, and thrive.

Yet, despite their impact, many professionals working in these spaces lack formal education training. And that’s not a flaw—it’s an opportunity.

Empowering Those Who Empower Youth

As a former classroom educator with degrees, teaching licenses, and a master’s thesis focused on the impact of extracurricular activities, I am passionate about helping fill this gap. When creating Sarah Wolters Co and thinking through the services I would offer, one question that guided me was;

"How do I take my knowledge and experience beyond the classroom to help those shaping young lives outside of school hours?"

That question led to the creation of training programs designed specifically for youth development professionals—equipping them with practical, adaptable teaching strategies tailored for non-traditional learning environments.

📌 Unlike a classroom setting, these programs face unique challenges:

• Limited time (sometimes only 15-60 minutes per session).

• Unstructured settings (kids arriving late, leaving early, balancing snacks, homework, and play).

• Multi-age groups with varying needs and learning styles.

  
  

To maximize impact in a short window, youth workers need targeted training in: 

🎯 Teaching methods for multi-age groups 

🎯 Engagement strategies for short sessions 

🎯 Leadership & character-building techniques

These aren’t just nice-to-have skills. They’re the difference between a program that runs and a program that transforms lives.

The Next Step: Investing in Impact

At Sarah Wolters Co, I focus on equipping before-school, after-school, extracurricular, and camp professionals with the tools they need to make a lasting impact on the kids they serve—even with limited time and resources.

If you work with youth in any of these settings, I’d love to connect and explore how we can strengthen the incredible work you do.

Sarah Wolters, trainer, engaged and smiling, with a notebook and laptop.