In addition to participating in an Orientation Session, the Opening Retreat, seven themed Program Days and Graduation/Initiation, all members of the Youth Leadership Broward class are also required to complete a Community Project group assignment.

At the beginning of the Program Year, the class is split into seven groups. Each group is assigned to a different YMCA after-school site at a local elementary school. They are responsible for planning lessons about various aspects of leadership that they then teach to the students over the course of six visits to their assigned school.

The themes of the lessons are:

  • Introduction to Leadership
  • Diversity and Respect
  • Positive Identity
  • Emotion Awareness
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution

At the end of the YLB Program Year, each Community Project group must turn in a written report. This report, along with an accompanying oral presentation, is reviewed by a panel of judges on the last day of the program. The groups who are judged to have the Best Overall Project and Best Presentation are recognized at that evening’s commencement ceremony.

The experience of participating in the YLB Community Project is a unique, transformative experience for the entire class and the lessons learned will stay with them long after the program has ended.

Download the Community Project Guidelines Class XXVIII for the 2014-2015 program year as a sample. Class XXXI guidelines currently under review.

For more information about the YLB program, please contact Director of Programs, Rebecca D’Amico, at (954) 767-8866 or by e-mail at rebecca@leadershipbroward.org