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.

YLI’s four program goals are:

• Build youth leadership through meaningful engagement in real community issues;
• Equip youth leaders with knowledge, skills, qualities, connections, and experience needed for leadership;
• Promote cross-cultural leadership;
• Build an ethic of service.

YLI’s Program Activities:

• Learning Retreats
• Cultural Exploration Sessions
• Action Teams
• Homework Lab and 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?
Any inner-city or east metro youth 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

Parent/Youth Orientation - Monday, October 1, 2007 ~ 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Learning Retreats

• October 18 - 20, 2007
  
• January 3 - 5, 2008
• April 1 - 3, 2008
• June 12 - 14, 2008
  

Cultural Exploration Sessions

• Saturdays - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
• November 3, December 1, February 2, March 1, and May 3

Action Teams

• Meet once a week from 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm.

Homework Lab and School Support

• The homework lab schedule is every Friday after school from 4:00 pm - 6:30pm. The homework lab is not open on days when the Saint Pual Public Schools are closed. It is open only to participants of the YLI program.

Youth Leadership Initiative General Information Brochure

2007 - 2008 Program Year Information

YLI Flyer
YLI Informational Sheet
YLI Application (Due September 19, 2007)