About Us

Sioux Falls Youth Connect was created by the Youth Development Collaborative, hosted by Sioux Falls Thrive. YDC brought together agencies and individuals serving and advocating for youth to network, stay informed of current community services and programs, and connect positive opportunities for young people.

In 2025, Sioux Falls Youth Connect was transferred to Health Connect SD as a fitting home for its ongoing sustainability.

Find An Activity

Goal of the Youth Development Collaborative

Create pathways to connect middle- and high-school aged youth to education, career opportunities, resources, and programs that are primarily designed to enhance their:

  • Power Skills (a.k.a. Soft Skills)
    • Ability to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.
    • Ability to communicate with others in a variety of ways including verbal, nonverbal, written, and visual.
    • Ability to contribute to their group and share responsibilities.
  • Technical Skills
    • Ability or knowledge needed to do practical tasks in the areas of science, the arts, technology, engineering, math, and others.

YDC Strategies

  1. Create a Community Networking group that collaborates to build youth programs and improve program outreach to youth.
  2. Develop a website resource database for high school counselors to use to refer youth to programming.
    • The programs and activities listed on the website will be those that align with the Youth Development Collaborative’s goal.

Download Our Promotional Flyer

Health Connect serves all South Dakota residents with health promotion resources to make better choices and to live an addiction-free, health-enriched life. We are committed to a healthier society through health-focused information and resources, advocacy, and evidence-based programming in South Dakota.