Youth Leadership Harlingen
What is Youth Leadership Harlingen?
Youth Leadership Harlingen is a program for students who want to further develop leadership skills and to become more knowledgeable about the various elements that form a strong and dynamic community.
Through a series of discussions and activities, participants will become familiar with community needs and resources. They will increase awareness of current issues, community problems and opportunities by interacting with community leaders and decision makers.
Youth Leadership Harlingen, established in 1994, and produced by the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, is a program for students enrolled in secondary schools within the Harlingen school district.
Objective
- To identify students who have demonstrated leadership qualities or display a potential toward leadership.
- To select a class of approximately 35 participants which represents a diverse group of students including gender, ethnicity and areas of interest.
- To present in-depth programs to acquaint participants with community needs, opportunities, problems and resources and to allow interaction with the community leaders.
- To provide opportunities for students from different environments to know one another and develop a level of trust and respect.
Purpose
The purpose of Youth Leadership Harlingen is to train students in leadership techniques and community awareness so they will become familiar with current issues, community resources, opportunities and other factors influencing the direction of their community’s future. Through a series of discussions, activities and field trips, the students will become familiar with community needs and resources, and will be prepared to make a positive impact on the quality of life in their community.
Program
Youth Leadership Harlingen is a series of five all day sessions covering leadership skills training, city government/criminal justice, health and human services/social services, business & industry and quality/cultural/creativity. The program also includes an orientation, a full-day ropes session and a graduation ceremony. Youth Leadership Harlingen encourages the development of leaders from the secondary schools of Harlingen through a program series which:
- exposes young leaders to the various elements that form a strong and dynamic community;
- encourages self-development and individual leadership skills, and
- fosters the interest in voluntary participation in community affairs.
Eligibility
Sophomores, juniors and seniors who attend schools in the Harlingen area and are residents of Harlingen are eligible. Interested students should:
- Demonstrate leadership in school or community activities.
- Express an interest in knowing more about the community.
- Commit to 100% attendance at all sessions.
Tuition
Tuition for the program is $40.00 (includes meals, breaks, supplemental transportation and course materials). The Chamber subsidizes the remaining cost of the program. Scholarships may be available.
Selection Criteria
Using the objectives of Youth Leadership Harlingen (listed above) as a guide, the Selection Committee will…
- Review all applications.
- Choose a class of 35 participants who represent a variety of schools, class levels and areas of interests.
- All applicants will be notified of the Selection Committee’s decision in writing.