YOUTH LEADERSHIP SPOKANE PROGRAM

About Youth Leadership Spokane

Youth Leadership Spokane brings together roughly 30 sophomores, juniors and seniors from all Spokane County public and private schools for an intensive, 10-month program. Participants explore how to become citizen leaders in the community. YLS was founded in 1996, as a program of Leadership Spokane. In 2009, Leadership Spokane and the YMCA joined forces to produce the program in partnership. This new partnership broadens outreach and improves service to area youth.

"Youth Leadership Spokane has provided one of the best learning experiences of my life. It has opened my eyes to the community and made me far more mature than I used to be. I have learned the value of leadership and compassion through YLS and have also been taught that one person can make a difference. My heart has grown, thanks to YLS." - Nick
"It is a very good way to learn about community service with a group of fun young people that have the same goals and aspirations to help the community." - Laura
"I have learned about several areas of the community that I was unaware of. Meeting a diverse group of influential community leaders and making contacts is an unusual opportunity that inspires and encourages continued involvement in the community." - Ben

Applications for Youth Leadership Spokane are available in the spring each year, and the class is chosen in early summer. There is a full day team-building retreat in August, followed by one evening meeting a month, September through May. There will be some prep time for each session (about an hour), and students will have opportunities to tour sites (such as: Waste to Energy Plant, Inland Northwest Blood Center, a TV station, the Police Academy, Fox Theater, Spokesman-Review Press.)

Benefits

You will understand and refine your unique role as a young servant leader in this community with hands-on experiences that tap your artistic and creative side.
In addition to servant leadership, you’ll study diversity and learn how to lead effectively and well in cultures different from your own.
You’ll learn about how the county and its cities govern themselves.
You’ll gain understanding of the effects of poverty, substance abuse and crime.
You’ll build skills in communication, running a meeting, team building and interviewing.
You’ll have opportunities to mentor and be mentored and work cross-generationally.
You’ll be able to put your new skills into practice with service projects.
You’ll get to know area leaders and will become an important part of a key leadership network that is leading this community into the future.

Mission Statement

Youth Leadership Spokane (YLS) develops the next generation of servant leaders by creating strong and healthy youth, and empowering them for service to each other and to their community.

Are you interested in Leadership Spokane?

What are YLS Graduates saying?

Jon Merck,
Financial Adviser,
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

"Having grown up in Spokane, I take great pride in the area’s accomplishments and everything it has to offer. Before leaving Spokane to pursue my degree at the University of Notre Dame, I participated in the 2004 class of Youth Leadership Spokane and feel that I benefited greatly by being a part of that program. I also feel that Youth Leadership Spokane played a large role in my decision to return to Spokane after graduating from college, rather than seeking employment in a larger city."

If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or click here to contact us.