Students become leaders at The Youth Center Leadership Academy summer program teaches high schoolers valuable life skills

By: Bella Kim, for The Youth Center

At The Youth Center’s summer Leadership Academy, students take a break from learning algebra, biology and grammar. Instead, they leave the week-long program with independence; confidence and knowledge of job hunting, money management, communication, car maintenance and more!

“The 2024 Leadership Academy was a resounding success,” said Youth Programs Coordinator Alisha Donahue. “By engaging in practical scenarios, students not only gain valuable skills but also confidence in their abilities. This translates to success in their emotional well-being, professional endeavors and overall life satisfaction.”

This year’s Leadership Academy took place at The Youth Center from July 15-19. The Youth Center selected 30 high school students ages 15-19 for a week training them how to tackle real-world challenges outside of the classroom.

“I think the program was really nice, going into it with no prior knowledge of what it was about, but there were high and low points,” said Los Alamitos High School senior Aidan Burog. “Sometimes it reached a lull when it was just a speaker and we weren’t doing any activities, but there were super fun moments that got everyone involved.”

Students learned practical life skills like sewing, First Aid and checking car oil and tire pressure, along with mental health practices like yoga and mindfulness. Burog said he learned how to clear his mind with yoga and about parts of a car.

“It’s like my whole body has a heartbeat. It felt like I died for a minute,” another student said about yoga class.

The Youth Center invites professionals from local businesses and organizations to teach lessons during the program. For example, Michelle Tackick of Youth Employment Service led a workshop on professional correspondence, how to craft a resume and dressing for success to land a job.

“Participants learned essential resume and interview techniques, networking strategies, basic car maintenance, car insurance information, banking and credit basics, sewing, cooking and mindfulness practices through yoga, art and daily activities,” Donahue said.

A unique aspect of Leadership Academy is that each participant is matched with a mentor who can continue guiding them after the program. The Youth Center also works with local businesses to offer students internships for work experience.

After completing the program, the Leadership Academy class of 2024 received a certificate of completion, letter of recommendation, resume, bank account with parent approval and professional photo. They also formed lasting peer and mentor relationships.

“They had the chance to meet inspiring speakers and learned about the importance of self-love,” Donahue said. “From setting goals and vacationing on a budget to self-defense, students enjoyed the diverse range of topics covered throughout the week.”

Next summer’s Leadership Academy is July 21-25, and limited scholarships are provided by the community and Rossmoor Community Services District. Registration will be open at theyouthcenter.org/leadership-academy/.