Center for Schools and Communities is pleased to announce that Nichole Fisher received the 2020 Youth Advocate Award from the Academy for Adolescent Health. Each year since 2005, they award an individual that embodies the Academy’s philosophy and foundation.
The Academy for Adolescent Health envisions a community in which young people are respected and able to enjoy mental and physical wellness and provides evidence based programs that are teen and youth driven and tested, interactive and culturally current.
In a virtual award ceremony May 27, Fisher was recognized as an individual who consistently supports young people, listening to hear their concerns and honoring them.
“I have observed Nichole and her work through ELECT (Education Leading to Employment and Career Training) program; and it is easy to see her prioritize the well-being of every young person,” stated Mary Jo Podgurski, president of Academy for Adolescent Health and director of Washington Health System’s Teen Outreach. “Nichole’s voice provides youth the support they need to be their own self-advocates. This is a great gift!”
Fisher has served in the education field for more than 15 years, nearly half of which she spent in a classroom teaching 9-12 grade English in Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Currently, she is a youth development coordinator at Center for Schools and Communities for ELECT, a Pennsylvania Department of Education initiative funded by the Department of Human Services. In this role, she provides ongoing training and technical assistance to 29 grantees who help pregnant and parenting teens earn a diploma or high school equivalency certificate, become better parents and make the transition to employment, career training or higher education.
“Nichole’s commitment to ensuring high quality programs and resources for ELECT are making a difference in the lives of young people all over our commonwealth,” said Shileste Overton Morris, Center for Schools and Communities director. “This is a well-deserved honor.”