Genesis Barco’s YDLP Success Story
Introduction
The Greater Alabama Council Youth Leadership Development Program was initiated in 2008. Its purpose is to provide a leadership program for deserving high school juniors and seniors from area partner high schools, that have chosen to provide this great opportunity for their students.
The Youth Leadership Development Program is enacted through the fundamental support of thirteen higher education partners —Jefferson State Community College; Lawson State Community College; UAB; University of Montevallo; Auburn University; Jacksonville State University; University of West Alabama; Birmingham Southern College, Wallace State Community College, Troy University, University of North Alabama, The University of Alabama and Auburn University Montgomery. In addition to these thirteen outstanding institutions, vital support for this youth opportunity has come from the United Way of Central Alabama and many other community education, medical, corporate, and political resources. The United Way of Central Alabama and these institutions, companies and individuals have made it possible to provide this education program and have generously opened the door to scholarship opportunities, to assist successful students from this program reach their full potential. These institutions, corporations, and individuals are acknowledged in our guide and are deserving of our gratitude.
Briefly, the students selected for this program are identified and recommended by their high school principals, counselors and teachers. They are students who have by their behavior and character, earned the respect of their educators and are supported by them.
The Youth Leadership Development Program is a nine-month program which meets once a month for approximately two and a half hours (4:30 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.) During each of these meetings the participants hear one or two outstanding speakers, chosen because of his/her accomplishments, stature, and character. Also, during these sessions the participants participate in small group meetings where they learn various leadership traits through discussions and activities facilitated by local college honor students. In addition to the monthly meetings, there are numerous community service projects for the YLDP students to attend and learn the benefits and blessings of helping their own communities.
Successful participants are graduated with a Youth Leadership Development Program certificate, respected for future resumes and are eligible to apply for available scholarships, as recognized Greater Alabama Council Youth Leaders. These scholarships are listed in this guide along with the criteria by which they will be awarded.
Thanks to our consortium of community partners this program provides each select participant with the opportunity to enhance his/her already identified leadership abilities and take hold of his/her future. Leadership like respect is earned not given!
To learn more about the YLDP, please visit www.alyldp.com