What is Youth Leadership?

Youth Leadership is an innovative, leadership development program designed to develop the academic, social and life skills of area youth. Students will have opportunities for substantive interaction with his or her peers, community based service organizations, institutions of higher education, and professionals from local industry.

How It Works:

For the first year, sophomores will build their personal “leadership toolkit” by taking a look within and discovering their strengths and identifying areas for improvement. Students will graduate this track more confident with a clearer understanding of themselves and their abilities. During the second year, as juniors, students will participate in college/real world preparation sessions about résumé writing, interview skills, college applications, paying for college, and finance education. The goal of this track is to prepare students for life beyond high school with a clearer understanding of their education and career plans.

Track 1 students (sophomores) will participate in 5 hours of community service as a group in the spring. Track 2 students (juniors) will have the ability to complete a 20-hour internship.

*Online sessions will be alternatively available if in-person meetings are not permitted.

More about the program:

Youth Leadership will incorporate prominent community leaders who will host an interactive lesson on various topics including leadership, well-being and community awareness. Sophomores and juniors will have opportunities to participate in this part of the session together.

Students will emerge from this dynamic program more confident and well-rounded with improved leadership skills and a better understanding of themselves and their community. By the end of the program, participants will achieve more self-confidence and develop skills and attitudes needed for success in college and life. The program also encourages the development of organizational and problem solving skills.

Schedule Info:

Youth Leadership sessions are generally held Tuesday evenings once per month from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Dutchess Community College, with the program running September through May. Students will be provided a full schedule prior to the first class.

Who Is Eligible?

Youth Leadership is a collaborative effort with area school districts and includes the local community, business leaders and Foundation staff. The program is open to incoming high school sophomore and junior students, and home school students, from Dutchess County.

Questions?

For more information or questions about being a part of the program, contact laura@chamberfdn.org at 845-454-1700 ext. 1025.