The Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) is a multicultural program designed to help youth develop strong, effective leadership skill to work in diverse community settings. The program assists youth in learning about themselves, working with others, and engaging in meaningful action. The six building blocks of YLI are learning, community, action, culture, character, and leadership.

YLI’s four program goals are:

• Develop youths' understanding of themselves and their culture
• Equip youth with the knowledge, skills, and qualities needed for leadership
• Encourage youths' appreciation for the culture of others and promote cross-cultural leadership
• Build youth leadership through meaningful engagement in real community issues

YLI’s program activities:

• Learning Retreats
• Cultural Exploration Sessions
• Action Teams
• School Support

Sixty youth between the ages of 14-18 will participate in a year long commitment, which consist of four quarterly encampments, cultural exploration sessions, and action teams. Each encampment lasts three days, two nights. The encampment includes cultural and historical experiences, team-building activities, workshops on various leadership and social skills. Cultural exploration session youth will explore their cultural and heritage and its impact on their leadership style and personal development. Action teams learn about topics such as understanding community, facilitation meetings, and planning projects. Each team develops serivce project in the community around their passions.

Who can join YLI?

Youth ages 14 - 18 living in St. Paul or east metro area willing to make a year commitment. Youth must agree to attend and participate in the retreats, cultural exploration sessions, and action teams.

How much does it cost to participate?

The program is free to the participants.

Program Dates

Learning Retreats:

• October 20 - 22, 2010
• February 11 - 13, 2011
• May 20 - 22, 2011

Cultural Exploration Sessions
(Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.):

• November 6, 2010
• December 18, 2010
• January 15, 2011
• February 19, 2011
• March 19, 2011
• April 16, 2011

Action Teams

Meet once a week from 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm. Actions Teams begin first week in November.

School Support

Youth will discuss the importance of education, set school improvement goals, learn about higher education, and are provided with structured support based on individual needs.

PDF: Youth Leadership Initiative General Information Brochure

2010 - 2011 Program Year Information

YLI Informational Sheet and Application Packet
 (Application Deadline - October 8, 2010)

Hear what teens are saying about the program!