YLDP Update – December 2025
A Look Back at the First Half of the YLDP Year
The first half of the Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP) year has been full of growth, connection, and meaningful experiences for our students. Throughout the fall, YLDP participants focused on leadership development, social-emotional learning, and real-world skill building. Each week offered new opportunities for students to learn about themselves, support one another, and step into leadership roles with confidence.
The kids showed incredible commitment to the program. Several achieved perfect attendance, and hundreds of meals were provided to ensure every student felt supported both in and out of the classroom. Volunteers played a vital role in making these experiences possible, helping create a welcoming environment where the youth could thrive.
One of the most impactful parts of the semester was the Compass Buddies mentoring experience. YLDP students visited the Black Hawk Club Compass site, where they mentored younger students and worked together on a STEM project. This experience allowed our youth leaders to practice empathy, responsibility, and teamwork while serving as positive role models. The Club kids can’t wait for them to return for more time together!
Parents have shared how meaningful the program has been for their families and how proud they are of their children’s growth. One parent shared, “I’m so proud of [my child]. He has come a long way and I am glad he is in Compass.” Another reflected on the Compass Buddies experience, saying, “Thank you for sharing [information from Compass Buddies] with me. He had a lot of fun working with his younger partner. He’s big on being a mentor. I appreciate this so much.”
Community service in action!
Our YLDPers rolled up their sleeves and made 87 PB&Js to donate to Intricate Minds.
We’re so proud of their generosity, teamwork, and commitment to giving back. Small acts of kindness add up to big impact, and these young leaders are showing us what it looks like.
We are also grateful for the many community partners who enriched the YLDP experience this semester. Our dinner providers, including MJ Kellner, Kathy & Dave Seadler, AMVETS Post 94, Meredith Brown, and the amazing friends from Laurel United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church, helped keep our students fueled and connected. In a special leadership moment, YLDP students even planned their own menu and served dinner to their fellow YLDPers.
Community enrichment partners brought learning to life through interactive experiences. Students participated in improv sessions with Zaxxson Nation, explored financial literacy through Illinois Educators Credit Union’s Bite of Reality, learned about online safety and inclusion with the Mobile Museum of Tolerance (virtual), and built confidence and discipline with Springfield Boxing Club.
YLDP Holiday Celebration
As part of our fall programming, YLDP students wrapped up the season with a special holiday celebration hosted by MJ Kellner. Students enjoyed a build-your-own pasta dinner, festive crafts, and a Polaroid photo ornament–making station, making it a meaningful and memorable holiday celebration for our youth leaders.
As we look back on the first half of the YLDP year, we are proud of our students, thankful for our volunteers and partners, and excited for what’s still to come. The leadership, compassion, and growth we’ve seen so far set a strong foundation for the rest of the school year ahead.
Fall 2025 YLDP Gallery:
