Youth Leadership Development
Youth are empowered to make a difference in their own lives to develop their full potential.
Youth Leadership Development (YLD) is an after-school program for middle school youth ages 11-15 to build leadership skills and conduct community service projects. Youth who are not already involved in positive after-school activities are recruited to join YLD through their schools in Newport, Erlanger/Elsmere, and Boone County, and through community groups.
- YLD utilizes Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program (TOP)
- YLD curriculum focuses on seven core competencies
- Wyman’s TOP® curriculum is packed in four age/stage-appropriate levels and includes:
- Values Clarification
- Relationships
- Communication/Assertiveness
- Influence
- Goal-Setting
- Decision-Making
- Human Development and Sexuality
- Community Service Learning
- YLD provides a safe, drug-free afterschool environment for youth
- Youth in YLD and Teen Coalition participate in college tours, recreational events, and career exploration activities such as job shadowing and community service.
- Service Learning provides an opportunity for youth to take ownership in their community, meet positive adults in their community, and build self-esteem by fostering responsibility, accomplishment, and a sense of belonging to their community.
Why We Do It
Youth who participate in after-school programs improve significantly in three major areas: feelings and attitudes, indicators of behavioral adjustment, and school performance. YLD employs the Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program® (TOP®), designed to develop the social and emotional well-being and mental health of pre-teens/teens. TOP® was named an evidence-based Mental Health Promotion program by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). The TOP® approach provides youth with critical support and opportunities to prepare for successful adulthood and avoid problem behaviors. Through YLD, youth learn to connect with peers, adults, and other resources that will continue to channel their energies in positive directions and will assist them in obtaining behavioral self-sufficiency. Ongoing YLD and Teen Coalition participation encourage youth and teens to set long-term goals of continued education post-high school, healthy lifestyles, and positive decision-making.
Additional Information
6th-8th graders enrolled in Newport Middle School, Campbell County Middle School, Erlanger, Dayton, and Holmes schools are eligible to participate in Club. 9th-12th graders in Newport High School and Campbell County High School School are invited to participate in Teen Coalition. All activities are free to youth/teens. We encourage youth who are not currently involved in positive youth activities to participate.
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