Main Menu   Main Page Program Days Leader Reader About Us Calendar News Event Gallery How To Apply Youth Leadership         Youth Leadership Pinellas Program  Youth Leadership Brochure           Youth Leadership Application Form-PDF           Youth Leadership Application Form-Word     Youth Leadership References Form         Youth Leadership ONLINE Application Form          Pinellas County TDE Form Pay Application Fee Online             PURPOSE Youth Leadership Pinellas is a series of interactive days designed to educate high school teens on community resources and issues, develop an excellence in leadership, build teamwork skills, and foster involvement in community services. PROGRAM Youth Leadership Pinellas (YLP) began in 1998 when Leadership Pinellas and the YMCA of the Suncoast determined that local teens should have the opportunity to participate in the same community educational experience as adults who participated in Leadership Pinellas. Since then hundreds of Pinellas County students have graduated from the program, taking valuable life lessons to college, and then into the work place. Many graduates have been selected to serve on the YMCA of the Suncoast Board of Directors as the Teen Representative. Leadership Pinellas is non-partisan and in no way is a political activist group. Leadership Pinellas provides volunteers, assists with fundraising, marketing and program support to YLP. Class organization, program management and execution are provided by the YMCA of the Suncoast. Youth Leadership Pinellas is an eight-month program, operating from October through May. Participants engage in six full day sessions, plus an orientation retreat and graduation event. The program is run separate from any school-sponsored program. On each class day, participants have the opportunity to meet community decision makers and to engage them in frank, off-the-record discussions on current issues. By coming face-to-face with community leaders and proactive spokesmen in these various areas, graduates of Youth Leadership Pinellas are better prepared to assume leadership roles on their own. A wide range of topics exposes participants to the decisions facing our community today. Emphasis is on active, hands-on experience that makes the learning meaningful and interesting PROGRAM DAY DESCRIPTIONS OPENING RETREAT: This is first official group function for the new class. Emphasis focuses on critical thinking, leadership ethics, diversity, team building, and will set the tone for the year. The group will learn the history of Leadership Pinellas; meet members of the organization; become acquainted with one another; learn issues in Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area that pertain to them and determine their class service project. One parent or guardian is expected to attend the first hour of the retreat. HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES: An overview of health in Pinellas County and healthcare trends from various perspective. Students will be introduced to human service needs providers (i.e. affordable housing issues, the elderly, homelessness, drugs, and mental illness, etc.) EDUCATION: Provides insight to education available in Pinellas County at various grade levels, including college tours. Public, private and vo-tech options are included. BUSINESS & MEDIA: Introduction to business and career opportunities in Pinellas County. Students will also gain a behind the scenes perspective on media including newspaper, television, and radio. ARTS & CULTURE: New this year! Students will join adults participating in Leadership Pinellas to further their understanding of arts and culture in Pinellas County. GOVERNMENT, ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE Students will receive an overview of government, in Pinellas County. Tours may include visits to the Emergency Operations Center and Pinellas County Solid Waste Facility, and may possibly visit with elected officials. CRIMINAL JUSTICE: Provide an understanding of the theoretical, practical blending of all areas of involvement, including a tour of the criminal justice complex. PARTICIPANTS Each year a representative group of 30 10th, 11th and 12th grade students will be selected to participate from high schools throughout Pinellas County. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements, and participate in a panel interview prior to acceptance into the program. Financial assistance is available. ELIGIBILITY Students must: Be in the 10th, 11th or 12th grade and attend an accredited high school in the Tampa Bay Area Submit an application with appropriate documentation Demonstrate leadership or emerging leadership in school or community activities Commit to full participation in the Youth Leadership Pinellas Program Be eager to learn and have strong team spirit Be academically sound; a B average or better is recommended Be willing to follow Pinellas County School Code of Conduct and policy set forth by Youth Leadership Pinellas Public high school students must complete a TDE form (obtained from the guidance counselor). GRADUATES The success of Youth Leadership Pinellas is measured by the number of graduates who involve themselves in improving the community. The program provides situations in which interested citizens may better understand community and business functions, what some of its current or impending problems are, and how they can involve themselves in finding solutions.