YLDP Update May 2025

YLDP

Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP): 2024–25 School Year Wrap-Up

As the 2024–25 school year comes to a close, we are so proud of everything the youth in our Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP) have accomplished. Over the past year, these incredible young leaders have grown in confidence, built new skills, and deepened their connection to the community around them.

Though May was a shorter month, it was packed with celebration and reflection. The youth wrapped up the year with a trip to the movie theater and a special awards dinner, where we honored their hard work, growth, and leadership throughout the year.

A Year of Leadership and Learning

From the first day of the program, our YLDP participants took on the challenge of learning what it means to be a leader. They dove into career exploration, public speaking, team-building activities, and community advocacy projects. As part of their learning journey, they met with local professionals, explored future opportunities, and created actionable plans for their personal growth.

One of the standout achievements this year was the completion of community service projects. The students identified the projects or areas of service that were most meaningful to them and carried them out with support and encouragement from adults. In the process, they not only gave back, they also discovered their ability to lead, organize, and inspire others.

The students also had the chance to participate in field trips across Springfield as part of their service and leadership development. These outings offered valuable real-world connections to their program lessons, and many sparked deeper conversations about the role of youth in shaping the future of our communities.

A Community Effort

None of this growth would have been possible without the support and encouragement of so many. We want to extend our deepest thanks to:

  • Our dedicated volunteers who showed up week after week to mentor, guide, and support our youth.
  • Our passionate staff, especially our site mentors, who helped each student feel seen, heard, and valued.
  • Our inspiring enrichment partners, who shared their time and expertise to expand what our youth know and believe is possible.
  • Our dinner providers, who ensured that every evening began with a nourishing meal, creating the space for students to focus, connect, and grow.

Celebrating the Journey

As we reflect on the year, we are filled with gratitude for the resilience, creativity, and determination of our YLDP youth. They have taken bold steps forward, asked hard questions, embraced new challenges, and supported one another every step of the way.

The awards dinner served not just as a celebration of accomplishments, but as a reminder of just how far they’ve come. Each student walked away with new skills, deeper connections, and the knowledge that their voices matter.

Looking Ahead

While the school year has ended, the impact of this experience will last far beyond the classroom. We can’t wait to see what these young leaders do next, and we’re proud to have been a part of their journey.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this program a success. Together, we’re building the next generation of leaders.