Youth Leadership Program
The goal of the KIDS PLUS Youth Leadership Program is to develop young leaders who will serve their communities now and in the future. A unique aspect of the program is the adult mentor component. Together, youth and adults participate in a yearlong Youth Leadership Academy, which offers a series of interactive workshops to build relationships and sharpen their leadership, communication, and team-building skills. The program concludes with the planning and implementation of a community service project. This project provides an opportunity for young people to put into practice their new knowledge and skills, promotes the power of youth-adult partnerships, and helps community members recognize youth as resources and leaders. Hundreds of young people are discovering they can make a difference!
Since 1998, nearly 800 young people and 300 adult mentors have participated in Youth Leadership Academies offered in the following communities:
- Hibbing-Chisholm
- International Falls
- Cloquet-Fond du Lac
- Duluth
- The Quad Cities of Virginia, Mt. Iron, Eveleth, and Gilbert
- Superior, Wisconsin
In 2009-2010, the Twin Ports Youth Leadership Academy will join youth participants and adult mentors from both Duluth and Superior in a unique training opportunity that not only develops leadership and civic engagement but also instills understanding and cooperation between the two communities.
Donors Play a Vital Role
Donors make this nine-month training opportunity possible. Donations of cash and in-kind services from businesses, service organizations, and individuals enable students to participate at no cost to their families. All program expenses – approximately $1,000 per student, per year – are supported by the Northland Foundation and tax-deductible gifts from the community.
If you are interested in supporting the KIDS PLUS Youth Leadership Academy, please contact
Jan Amys, Program Associate, or consider making a donation online through GiveMN.org:
