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 700 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 2007-08, Youth Leadership Academies will be implemented in Duluth and Superior.