Youth Leadership Erie County

Youth Leadership Erie County is a nine-month leadership enrichment program. As the future leaders of our community, high school sophomores and juniors across the county are invited to participate. The curriculum builds:

• A foundation of leadership skills development
• Awareness of community issues
• Appreciation for diversity of our metropolitan region
• Commitment to lifelong involvement in community service

The program assembles a diverse group of students who have leadership potential, but who may or may not have had experience in positions of leadership at their schools or in their volunteer work in the community.

THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Youth Leadership Erie County begins with an overnight retreat conducted by professional facilitators in September. Facilitators use group activities designed to promote dialogue on leadership, self-esteem, and future goals. The orientation retreat creates a team atmosphere and attendance at the two-day opening retreat is required for participation in Youth Leadership Erie County.

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS

Day sessions are half days scheduled from 12:00 noon - 5:30 p.m. and are held in various locations throughout the community. Topics include Criminal Justice, Diversity, Arts & Media, Community Leadership, Career Exploration Day and Human Services. The program ends in May with a full day session and a special evening graduation celebration.

Attendance is required at the Opening and Closing retreats, at all eight sessions and the community service activities. Only one excused absence will be allowed. Transportation to and from each session is the responsibility of the student. Transportation within each session will be provided. Agendas and other information will be mailed to the student and his/her school prior to each session.

SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE

Scholarship Assistance is not necessary because the Youth Leadership program is free thanks to generous funds donated by the following foundations/agencies:

• The Children's Foundation
• Erie County Department of Youth Services
• The United Way of Buffalo & Erie County

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be available in the spring for the subsequent school year. Approximately forty-five students from throughout Erie County will be selected by a committee of community representatives and YLEC Graduates. After selection, all applicants will receive notification of their status before the completion of the school year. Because the Youth Leadership Class strives to reflect the diversity of the students of Erie County, we regret that all qualified candidates may not be accepted into the program.

MEMBERSHIP

You must be a high school sophomore or juniors within Erie county to participate.

Youth Leadership Application

Youth Leadership Information Sheet

*Not currently accepting applications