youth leadership st. louis
Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders
Founded in 1989, Youth Leadership St. Louis (YLSL) is an internationally recognized program that informs, connects, prepares and empowers St. Louis area youth to become civic and community leaders.
YLSL brings together high school juniors from public, private, parochial and charter schools from across the region, as well as community organizations. Youth Leadership St. Louis takes students into the community to explore what leadership means in our region, while learning and practicing skills that will serve them throughout life, including group facilitation, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and public speaking.
Who Should Apply
Youth Leadership St. Louis is open to high school juniors at one of our partner schools or community organizations.
Students are accepted into the program through their school/organization’s selection process, and each student team is accompanied by a teacher/YLSL advisor who is trained by FOCUS as a leadership coach.
What to Expect
The Youth Leadership St. Louis program runs from September-April, with participants meeting once a month.
Throughout the year, students explore issues ranging from social responsibility and economic development to public health and diversity. Program days, held during school hours and select Saturdays, include a combination of team-building exercises, experiential learning activities, site visits/tours, and dialogue with community leaders.
Luke Duffy
Youth Leadership St. Louis 2021-22
Program Partners
