Youth Leadership Program (YLP)
Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders.
YLP seeks to develop young individuals to be the next generation of community leaders; preparing them for constructive and responsible involvement in community affairs, while also thinking seriously about career pathways. Students apply during the end of their Sophomore year and begin the program in the summer going into their Junior year.
Throughout the 10-month program, students explore our community – its resources, leadership, issues, and opportunities. They share ideas and learn what it takes to become a consensus builder and effective decision-maker. Participants examine the functional areas of business 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.
Program Benefits
YLP provides the opportunity for students to learn and practice the skills necessary to become productive workers and community leaders. Throughout the ten-month long program, students explore our community – its resources, leadership, issues, and opportunities. They share ideas and learn what it takes to become a consensus builder and effective decision-maker. Participants examine the functional areas of business 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. For a snapshot of what you can gain from the Youth Leadership Program, head to this link.
Selection Criteria
The YLP Steering Committee will select participants based on enthusiasm, GPA, attendance, application, a brief essay, and an interview. A maximum of 30 students will be selected each year. Each class represents public, private, and charter schools. Each high school in Berkshire County should have at least one or two students apply.
Applicants will be selected based on demonstrated capacity for leadership development both inside and outside the classroom. Applicants should also include those with leadership potential (“diamonds in the rough”). These individuals may or may not have prior experience in leadership roles in their school or community.
2020-21 SESSION SCHEDULE (incoming class of 2021)
Pre-Commitment Meet & Greet (Optional)
May 13th, 2020
Retreat at Williams College
July 24-26, 2020
All sessions are from 12:30 to 4:30pm
August 18th, 2020 (Full Day)
September 15th, 2020
October 6th, 2020
November 10th, 2020
December 1st, 2020
January 5th, 2021
February 2nd, 2021
March 2nd, 2021
April 6th, 2021
April 27th, 2021
May 4th – Commencement (Evening Event)
*The Retreat is mandatory. It is a Friday morning through Sunday morning overnight commitment.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors:
Questions
Email the Youth Leadership Program or call (413) 499-1600.