Valley United Way’s Youth Leadership Program, now entering its 22nd year, is accepting applications from Valley teens that have an interest in volunteerism and advocacy.
The goal of this program is to develop teens into future community leaders.
Youth Leaders learn about community needs and how local nonprofit organizations are assisting. Applications are accepted annually from students either attending Valley-based high schools or those who reside in the Valley but attend high school outside the area.
After Youth Leaders are selected, they attend a weekend team building retreat at Camp Jewell, a YMCA outdoor center in Colebrook, CT. There they are provided with dynamic, hands- on learning experiences that emphasize trust, leadership, communication, and building self-
confidence.
Throughout the year, the 2011 Youth Leaders will receive training from corporate community members based on diversity, problem solving and decision making, interviewing and public speaking.
Youth Leaders will also participate in various community service activities over the course of the program.
Youth Leaders additionally conduct a needs assessment survey each fall that is specifically targeted towards high school students. After the findings are compiled and analyzed, Youth Leaders distribute requests for proposals to all nonprofit organizations in the area, which aims to provide funding for the identified areas of need.
Youth Leaders conclude their year-long experience by evaluating the proposals and allocating funding to their agencies and programs of choice. Since 1990, Youth Leadership members have allocated more than $50,000 in funding.
Application forms can be completed and submitted by visiting the Valley United Way website at www.valleyunitedway.org.
