Learn how to handle real-world challenges for life beyond high school at the fourth annual Youth Center Leadership Academy running from June 27 to June 30 at the Youth Center in Los Alamitos.
The first 25 applicants selected for the Academy will be able to attend for free thanks to the Better Lives Foundation. Youth ages 17 to 19 can apply online now at www.theyouthcenter.org.
This exclusive workshop has been refined each year to include the hottest topics recommended by teens who have just moved out or will soon be living on their own.
“We want to keep things fresh and relevant for the participants to ensure that in the short time they’re with us, they learn the basics about many aspects of living responsibly on their own,” said Julie Rubin, Youth Center Program and Operations Manager.
Each graduate will take away a certificate of completion, written goals, a letter of recommendation, resume, bank account (upon parental approval), a professional photo, a mentor and peer-to-peer friendships.
The Youth Center will also work with local businesses to offer academy graduates internships to gain work experience and job skills for those that are interested.
“My experience in the Leadership Academy and mentor relationship helped me to adjust to the rigors of college life, new employment, to branch out socially and be more involved in my school,” said 2015 Leadership Academy graduate Elizabeth Duran. Her mentor helped Elizabeth in attain her Girl Scout Gold Award and apply for colleges. “This on-going relationship made a world of difference for me, especially in coping with my first quarter away from home.”
Today, Duran is in her junior year at UCSD studying to be an environmental/chemical engineer and hopes to work in the field of alternative energy. She is an intern for the college’s Residential Life office and had recently applied to be a House Advisor.
Since the first Leadership Academy in 2012, the Better Lives Foundation has partnered with the Youth Center, their only partner in the U.S., helping to offer the Academy to students through their generous financial support specifically for the academy.
For more information about the Youth Center’s Leadership Academy, please contact Youth Center Programs and Operations Manager Julie Rubin at 562-493-4043 or visit theyouthcenter.org.
The Leadership Academy can be found on their website through “Programs.”