Students Can Still Apply for Dynamic Leadership Experience!
May 30, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – Students can still apply for Youth Corps… a dynamic leadership training experience for thirty-six outstanding 9th and 10th grade students (rising 9th & 10th graders would apply for next year) in Richland & Lexington Counties that a national leadership association described as unlike any other opportunity in the country… right here in the Midlands.
Youth Corps partners with the community to unleash the leadership potential of youth and to instill the values of leadership and professionalism through dynamic community interaction.
Students start their own businesses (this year’s students grossed over $28,000 in sales and gave back over $2,800 to various nonprofits and charities from their own money), help to pass an actual bill at the State House, help victims of crime, meet with young people behind the fence at DJJ, work with Columbia’s non-profits, interact with the world of journalism, and much more as they develop as leaders and acquire the big picture of our city.
Youth Corps turns great students into great leaders. Youth Corps Alumni have gone on to become student body presidents, captains of athletic teams, members of the Supreme Court at their universities, serve on the board of directors of nonprofits and much more.
For more information and to get an application, go to www.youthcorps.net or call Jeff Becraft, Youth Corps Executive Director, at 665-5640. Next round application deadline is June 20.
Below is an article written by a Youth Corps student about their experience:
One of the most influential lessons that I learned from Youth Corps was the concept of the “backseat leader.” In my time in Youth Corps, I have witnessed backseat leaders in action multiple times: bestowing confidence on others, setting the tone of the journey, and putting others before themselves. In group activities, such as the obstacle course on leadership weekend, students sacrificed their own stability to lend a hand to their partner, all the while maintaining a positive attitude. Even those who were not participating were actively involved in the activity. They cheered on the competitors and never failed to brighten the spirits of everyone around them. These principles have bled into my everyday life, along with other ideals that Youth Corps has introduced to me.”
Youth Corps has been one of the most eye opening experiences of my life. During these outings I learned about effective leadership and how to be confident in myself, which, in today’s society is a blessing. Warren Bennis once stated that “Leaders are made rather than born.” Youth Corps has made me a leader.
