Youth Leadership Initiative

Program Overview

The Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) is a cohort model of learning. Young people apply and are selected to be in a learning cohort that meets consistently over a period of time. In YLI, learning happens through active engagement, listening and doing, reflection, a mixture of small and large group activities, storytelling and peer mentoring. The structure of YLI is youth-centered. In addition to youth participants determining the focus of cultural exploration sessions and community issues to be addressed, we also have a team of youth mentors who are selected to return and be peer leaders in the program. The roles of adults are to support, encourage, share knowledge and power, and create access and opportunity. Youth and adults work together as colleagues and learn from one another. 

Program Length

 9 months (October – May)  

Program Format

 Weekly after-school sessions, weekend retreats and graduation

Program Activities That Help Youth Build Leadership Skills

Participant Requirements

YLI is grounded in the belief that all young people have the potential to benefit our community with their skills, talents and unique perspectives. We do not screen only for those youth who are “in trouble” or those who are “above average.”  As a result, we bring together a truly diverse cohort of youth.  They are diverse in their interests, ethnic backgrounds, family structures, country-of-birth, “crowd” at school, grade point average and so much more.  These youth spend a year together building solid trusting relationships. For many, it changes their life. Participants must:

• Be in grades 9-12
• Live in Saint Paul or the East Metro area
• Reflect diversity of the community
• Commit to attending program sessions for one school year