Learn the science of student motivation at GPS Parent Series Aug. 20

Posted August 10, 2026 10:00 pm

By Nathan Lindquist, Glenbard Township High School District 87

On Thursday, Aug. 20, the GPS Parent Series will present “Start the School Year Strong: The Science of Motivating Young People” with developmental psychologist and author Dr. David Yeager at noon and 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Visit GPSParentSeries.org for event details and the links to these webinars.

The start of the academic year can be overwhelming, and the stress and pressure can leave kids disengaged and feeling defeated.

Yeager will come to GPS to discuss “The Mentor Mindset,” a compelling, groundbreaking approach that will help cultivate resilience and foster personal accountability. Parents, caregivers and educators will learn ways to provide reassurance and equip students to approach both their academic and personal lives with a clear, newfound sense of purpose.

Yeager will provide a data-driven approach that strategically harnesses a young person's inherent craving for status and respect. By effectively tapping into these fundamental drives, adults can transform disengagement to drive and empower adolescents to lead independent, well-adjusted lives.

Yeager is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and is widely recognized for his research on motivation and adolescent development, conducted in collaboration with Carol Dweck. He is the author of the highly regarded book “10-25: The Science of Motivating Young People.”

All are welcome to these free GPS events, and no registration is required. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events, contact Gilda Ross, student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or (630) 942-7668. Continuing professional development units are available.

The GPS Parent Series is generously sponsored by the Cebrin Goodman Center, College of DuPage, Cooperative Association for Special Education (CASE), DuPage County Health Department, Emmy Gaffey Foundation, Northwestern Medicine, KidsMatter, Midge and Dan Anderson, Regional Office of Education, Stogsdill Family Foundation, and Webb-Hutter Family Fund.