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Students apply during the middle of their Sophomore year and begin the program in June of their Sophomore year, followed by 10 months of monthly sessions and engagement over the course of their Junior year.
Throughout the 10-month program, students explore our region – its resources, leadership, issues, and opportunities. They share ideas and learn what it takes to become an inclusive leader, consensus builder, and effective decision-maker. Participants examine the functional areas of businesses and industries, professional leadership building, and the potential career pathways found right here in their own backyards. They explore civic responsibility and the various roles they can play in their communities to inspire a life-long commitment to the Berkshires.
Retreat
June 12– June 14, 2026
All sessions are from 9am – 3pm
April 15th, 2027 – Commencement (Evening Event)
*The Retreat is mandatory. It is a Friday morning through Sunday morning overnight commitment.
YLP provides the opportunity for students to learn and practice the skills necessary to become professionals and community leaders. Throughout the ten-month long program, students explore our region – its resources, leadership, issues, and opportunities. They share ideas and learn what it takes to become an inclusive leader, consensus builder, and effective decision-maker. Participants examine the functional areas of businesses and industries, and the career pathways found right here in their own backyards. They explore civic responsibility and the various roles they can play in their communities to inspire a life-long commitment to the Berkshires and the communities they become a part of over time. For a snapshot of what you can gain from the Youth Leadership Program, head to this link.
The YLP Steering Committee, composed of 12+ dedicated volunteers from across the region from a wide array of professional backgrounds, will select participants based on enthusiasm, GPA, proven capacity for growth, a formal application, a brief essay, and an interview. A maximum of 30 students will be selected each year, with a core goal of including participants from every school district across the Berkshires. Each class represents public, private, home school programs, and charter schools. Each high school in Berkshire County should have at least one or two students apply, but ideally many more than that. YLP is a program that aims to provide an opportunity and value for a wide and diverse array of students with varied experience levels. Students who have no past experience with leadership development are encouraged to apply, as are students with a robust portfolio of past experiences to bring to the table. No student should be told “don’t apply” for YLP if they have an authentic interest in growing their skills and making an impact in their communities.
Applicants will be selected based on demonstrated capacity for leadership development both inside and outside the classroom.
Looking for resources and advice? Book a free consultation with our Economic Development Team. We can’t wait to meet with you!
Sign up