For more than 30 years, Youth Leadership Athens has provided experiences for area high school students to learn more about the Athens area while developing critical thinking, leadership, and decision-making skills. Sessions have focused on supporting teens as they develop a passion for our community, a purpose as leaders, and professionalism in their approach. We have intentionally kept our registration fees low, provided scholarships for our participants as needed, and reached out informally to the community to help offset our costs.
We appreciate your consideration as a donor or contributor to our sessions. Even the smallest of donations makes a difference to our program.
We’ve listed below each of the sessions, the goals, and the expenses incurred to help you decide how you’d like to support our program.
Opening Retreat
Youth get to know each other and think about what it means to be a leader and how to grow in their leadership skills. Teens complete a Real Colors assessment to better understand themselves and each other.
Each teen receives a folder, nametag, and printed material for the program at this session. We contract with the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development and provide a Real Colors assessment activity. As with all sessions, we provide snacks for the teens including a pizza break.
Community Volunteering
Teens learn more about volunteer opportunities in the Athens area as they meet with community nonprofit leaders and learn more about Athens by the numbers.
This session includes refreshments for the teens and currently does not have additional expenses.
Local Government in Action
Teens spend the day with local government leaders and agencies. We step behind the scenes into the workings of Athens-Clarke County, learn with those who run our classic city, and explore the challenges and opportunities of being an Athens leader.
We provide a morning refreshment break, water throughout the day, and lunch for the full-day program. Additionally, we transport the youth by chartered bus.
Arts Adventure
Athens is known for its vibrant arts scene, including musical and visual arts opportunities. Participants explore Athens art to learn more from those whose livelihood has created one of the most unique art communities in the state.
We provide refreshments during the session. To reduce costs, we are currently creating a walking experience for this session.
Economic Engines
Local business and industry leaders spend time with our team as we examine the economic engines that drive our community. We also work with the Athens Economic Development Authority to learn more about our business (and consumer) needs in Athens.
We provide refreshments. Additionally, this session requires transportation and the use of a charter bus. If funds are not raised, we have created an optional smaller walking experience.
Graduation
After spending three months discovering Athens and opportunities as leaders, we celebrate our young leaders’ success. Families and supporters are invited to a recognition ceremony that will include a community speaker. We follow the ceremony with dinner for YLA participants and local leaders.
We provide a meal for the graduates and civic leaders. Additionally, each participant receives a graduation certificate and a small gift.
If you would like to make an in-kind donation of meals, refreshments, or services, please contact us at yla@youthleadershipathens.com
Youth Leadership Athens 