The problem

Leadership skills are crucial for middle school kids as they navigate through a pivotal stage of personal and academic development. The impact of lack of leadership on youth can be significant and has many effects. Youth often look up to leaders for guidance. Youth tend to look up to leaders for guidance and mentorship. Without that leadership, youth struggle with finding direction in their lives, leading to confusion about their goal and values. Leadership inspires and motivates others to achieve their potential along with instilling confidence in youth by providing opportunities for them to develop their skills and showcase their talents.

The target audience for this program is middle school youth in the Fayette County area. Programming meets during school hours with Family and Consumer Science teacher and with the after-school program. The program focuses on leadership, communication, goal setting, problem-solving, the importance of risk-taking, self-esteem, and teamwork over 8 weeks. The goal is for participants to enhance personal development, empathy, social skills, sense of purpose, and overall positive influence as they are exiting 8th grade into 9th.

Participants have said the program offers them useful skills that are beneficial to their future.

quotes from youth

- Mock interviews are helpful for a summer job

- I look forward to every week. Fun activities.