PITTSBURGH YOUNG LEADERS ACADEMY

Pittsburgh Cares coordinates the Pittsburgh Young Leaders Academy (PYLA) to address a critical need in the Greater Pittsburgh region. Out of 43 school districts in Allegheny County, only two school districts offer structured leadership curriculum as part of their academic elective options. In a region that anticipates a severe workforce shortage in the next several years and that often discusses strategies for attracting and retaining young talent, it is imperative that we provide greater youth engagement, youth leadership and youth organizing opportunities in our region. Having recruited and engaged over 1,500 youth volunteers in the last 12 months, Pittsburgh Cares is committed to strengthening our Youth Engaged in Service program and providing youth with meaningful training and development opportunities.

Outcomes of PYLA

There are benefits of the PYLA to both the youth engaged in the initiative and to the Greater Pittsburgh region. According to The Search Institute, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide leadership, knowledge, and resources to promote healthy children, youth, and communities, the following outcomes are met when youth participate in leadership development training:

  • Increased sense of self-esteem and enhanced identity development
  • Increased sense of personal control
  • Increased popularity with peers
    Increased development of life skills such as public speaking, dependability, and job responsibility
  • Less involvement in risky behavior such as drug use or juvenile delinquency
  • Improved academic achievement
  • Decreased sense of loneliness, shyness, or hopelessness

According to a study from the Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development, adults and organizations that support youth leadership development opportunities receive several benefits. Adults were “more likely to report an enhanced commitment to their organization, a stronger sense of community, and more competence and effectiveness in working with youth.” Further, the same study revealed that organizations were “more connected to and active in their communities, more committed to inclusiveness and diversity on a variety of levels, and more appealing to funders.”

PYLA Strategy

Pittsburgh Cares is taking a unique approach to the PYLA initiative by focusing on three core areas: youth engagement, youth leadership development, and youth organizing. Based on the research of the Colorado Foundation for Families & Children, Pittsburgh Cares has developed a curriculum that advances youth through a process of first understanding the power of youth voice. Next, the youth learn and practice decision making concepts through the process of designing and delivering services that meet critical community needs. Lastly, the youth identify the social issues that they themselves are most passionate about, receive training on advocacy and community organizing strategies, and reflect on appropriate measurement and evaluation techniques. Overall, the PYLA initiative is designed to have youth develop and/or enhance a healthy self-concept and self-awareness, identify characteristics of leadership styles, and support youth in developing and practicing leadership skills as a decision maker, role model, advocate and volunteer.

The Experience

An opportunity for your voice to be heard, the time to explore and challenge your potential, and the resources to create change… these are the elements that make the Pittsburgh Young Leaders Academy (PYLA) a week-long experience to remember.

PYLA is designed to build bridges across the region between high school youth from suburban, urban, and rural communities while empowering youth to take action in areas that they desire change. In a society that often overlooks the power of youth, PYLA equips youth with the training necessary to problem-solve, speak out, and motivate and lead others to action.

Through hands on projects and interactive exchanges, PYLA participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Explore diversity by touring regional amenities that celebrate diversity in Pittsburgh
  • Define leadership by meeting influential regional leaders in government, business, nonprofit, and education
  • Be mentored by college student leaders / young professionals
  • Examine the region’s social issues through a Service Crawl modeled after The Amazing Race
  • Test personal leadership skills through The Social Apprentice, a group problem-solving exercise
  • Demonstrate group dynamics in the completion of a low ropes course and horseback riding experience

PYLA participants will conclude the experience by applying for mini-grants to implement a community problem-solving project that they have developed in partnership with other youth across the region. Pittsburgh Cares will offer ongoing coaching throughout the academic year to ensure the successful implementation of each youth-led project.

The Participants

PYLA is attracting high school youth from schools across the region. Some have leadership experience; some do not. Some are involved in school and/or community activities; some are not. PYLA is designed to unify youth from all walks of life in an experience that is respectful, challenging, and rewarding.

Registration

PYLA registration is easy. Simply complete the registration form and submit this form with your $200 registration fee to Pittsburgh Cares. The registration fee covers transportation, breakfast and lunch each day, a PYLA t-shirt, and admissions to all PYLA activities. Make checks payable to Pittsburgh Cares. Scholarships and a fundraising tip sheet are available to assist you with the registration fee.

Important Information

PYLA participants are expected to fully participate in the week-long experience. All registrations are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The maximum number of participants for each week is 50 youth. PYLA registrations should be postmarked by June 13, 2008. PYLA participants will receive a confirmation by June 15, 2008. PYLA has a no refund policy.