YLDP
YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP) empowers underserved middle and high school students from Springfield Public Schools – District 186 to grow as confident leaders and successful young adults. Through intentional programming and supportive mentorship, YLDP helps students build the skills they need to graduate from high school and prepare for their next steps, whether that path leads to college, vocational or trade school, military service, or the workforce. Our ultimate goal is to ensure every participant is equipped with the confidence, skills, and support needed to pursue and achieve their dreams.
Core components of YLDP include:
- Evidence-Based Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) – Building self-awareness, resilience, communication, and leadership skills
- Life & Job Skills Enrichment – Practical, real-world experiences that prepare students for future success
- Community Service Learning – Opportunities to give back, build empathy, and lead through service
Opportunity • Community • Empowerment
Are you in middle or high school at Springfield Public Schools – District 186 and ready to level up your confidence, leadership, and real-life skills?
The Compass for Kids Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP) is where you learn how to speak up, work as a team, make a difference in your community, and discover what you’re capable of, all while having fun!
You’ll connect with supportive mentors, make new friends, and build skills that actually matter for school, jobs, and life beyond the classroom.
💡 This is your chance to lead, grow, and shine. Ready to get started?
Contact our YLDP Program Coordinator Kavita Sundaram at kavita@compassforkids.org.
Not a teen, but want to get involved?
Volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities Available
There are many meaningful ways to get involved and make a difference with YLDP, including:
- Classroom Leader or Mentor – Support students by leading activities, offering guidance, and building positive, encouraging relationships.
- Dinner Provider – Help nourish our youth by providing a healthy, hearty meal and sharing in a family-style dinner experience.
- Life Skills or Enrichment Partner – Share your talents or expertise through engaging enrichment sessions focused on life skills, creativity, STEAM, movement, literacy, and more.
Volunteer Sign-Up Form – Ready to get started? Sign up today and let us help match you with the opportunity that fits your interests and availability.
Life Skills / Enrichment
Life Skills & Enrichment Opportunities (YLDP)
The Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP) offers dynamic life skills and enrichment experiences designed to help middle and high school students build confidence, independence, and real-world readiness.
Through hands-on, interactive sessions, students explore practical skills that support personal growth, leadership development, and future success.
YLDP enrichment topics may include:
- Financial Literacy – Budgeting, saving, goal-setting, and understanding money basics
- Cooking & Nutrition – Preparing simple, healthy meals and learning kitchen safety
- Mindfulness & Wellness – Stress management, emotional awareness, and self-care strategies
- Leadership & Communication Skills – Public speaking, teamwork, and decision-making
- Career & Life Readiness – Time management, problem-solving, and planning for the future
- Creative Expression & Vision Building – Art projects, vision boards, and creative activities that help students express themselves and imagine their future goals
For more information about YLDP Enrichment, contact our YLDP Program Coordinator, Kavita Sundaram, at kavita@compassforkids.org.
Family-Style Dinner (YLDP)
Family-style dinners are a meaningful part of the Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP), creating space for connection, conversation, and community. Sharing a meal together helps students build relationships, practice communication and table manners, and feel supported in a welcoming environment.
Providing a family-style dinner is a generous and rewarding way to support our students and families while directly contributing to a positive, inclusive program experience.
YLDP meets on Wednesdays at Laurel United Methodist Church, with dinner beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Click below to learn more about providing a family-style dinner and how you can get involved.
