TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders

Founded in 1995, Valley Teen Leadership is the only established inter-district high school program that is non-competitive in nature. Each year approximately 50 high school sophomores and juniors are selected through an application and interview process to participate in a twelve-week, seven-session program.

The program provides these teens a first-hand opportunity to gain problem-solving skills and strategies, develop awareness of issues in the region and learn how they can make a positive difference.

The details of the program and how to get involved are found through the areas below. 

Learning Objectives

Delivered through a variety of personal and team-based methods, each learning objective - knowledge, skills and values - contributes to the development of well-rounded and action-oriented leaders.

Curriculum

Program days are a combination of team-building exercises, experiential learning, and dialogue with community leaders or service providers who serve as role models delivered over 7 full-day sessions during a three-month timeframe.

Who is a good candidate?

A high school sophomore or junior attending a public, private, parochial, charter, or home school high school in the Phoenix Metro area (the Valley/region).  Students from surrounding cities are encouraged to apply.

Personal Investment

All teens receive a scholarship to attend due to the generosity of corporations, foundations and individuals who believe in the value of developing young people as leaders.  Tuition is minimal.

Return on Investment

Teens leave with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to proceed on their leadership path.  They also connect to high-level people in various industries and sectors who are making a difference.

How to get involved

Applications are accepted during October each year; selection is made through written essays and personal interviews in December, and the program runs from January through April the following year. 

Contact Beth Thomson-Gorman at 602.952.6760, ext. 4.

Click here to view the members of Valley Teen Leadership Class XIII.

Click here for the Valley Teen Leadership Class XIII application.

 

"I got 50 new friends out of Valley Teen Leadership.  We all came together to talk about real issues and how we could help solve them, making it an incredibly meaningful experience for our entire class."

Jennifer, VTL Class XI

"Valley Teen Leadership is about creating powerful friendships and really looking at how you personally can impact the community.  It was really motivating to be with a group of teens who truly care about making a difference."   

Julian, VTL Class XI