LEAD COLORADO

Teen Leadership Program

The YMCA of Northern Colorado, University of Colorado and the Boulder Valley School District have developed a free program to provide selected local high school juniors and seniors with foundational leadership skills. We believe there are many promising local students with great leadership potential who may benefit from additional training and development of their skills. Utilizing the existing resources in our community, this program will give participants significant leadership education and experience. We will provide tools needed to navigate situations that one is likely to face through a continued leadership journey via roles of increasing responsibility and impact.

Through hands-on projects, intrapersonal and interpersonal exploration and mentoring from community leaders, Lead Colorado helps young leaders form self-awareness about their personal mission and values. While completing capstone projects, participants will give back to the community and show their leadership capabilities. Lead Colorado will work to develop purposeful, ethical leaders who are equipped to have a significant impact in our community.

Program Details

Each fall, a cohort of high school juniors will start the 18 month program with a weekend retreat and continuing with monthly meetings. Our retreat will be at YMCA Camp Santa Maria (dates TBA). At the retreat, each student will learn more about their personal leadership style as well as participate in team building and other activities to create a cohesive team amongst the selected students. Attendance to this retreat is mandatory for participation in the program.

Roughly each month from September of 2020 through November of 2021, students in the Lead Colorado Program will attend a two-hour session in the evening where they will be exposed to a very specific leadership lesson from someone who is an expert in that area. Students will be expected to complete the pre-work that is assigned prior to each session so that they are prepared to fully participate and absorb the concepts that are being presented. After the presentation there will be group discussion and/or debate around the topic matter.

The program will conclude with a presentation by each participant about their leadership journey. Attendance to these sessions is mandatory to remain in good standing with the Lead Colorado Program.