Fall 2009
Local Organizations' Support for Youth Leadership Ensures a High Quality Experience for 50 Area Teens
9th grade youth practice public
speaking, presenting their community
exploration discoveries to a room of
more than 50 people.
The 2009-2010 Twin Ports Youth Leadership Academy is off and running! The newly launched inter-community version of the 11-year-old leadership program began in September with a retreat featuring nationally known trainer Craig Hillier.
The second session joined youth from across Duluth and Superior in a community exploration mission. The 50 ninth graders divided into small groups and, accompanied by adult mentors, spent the afternoon touring nonprofit organizations, businesses, and municipal services, including visits with Mayors Ness and Ross. Students collected information and "artifacts", and each small group later made a dynamic presentation sharing what they had learned about Duluth and Superior.
Exciting guest speakers; interactive leadership, team-building, and communication activities; and planning a service project are on the agenda in the coming months.
AgStar Fund for Rural Development
presents a check to Tom Renier (left)
in support of Youth Leadership.
Sponsorship from area businesses, individuals, and service organizations is critical to continuing to provide this program at no charge to participants, despite program costs of approximately $1,000 per student.
“We are so grateful to the organizations and individuals that have responded to the call for support, now and in the past,” said Lynn Haglin, Northland Foundation Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director. “Their generosity makes it clear that, even in this difficult economy, our communities truly value young people.”
