High school sophomores and juniors from over twenty York County high schools learn to become lifelong, responsible, active participants in their hometown community. Participants develop leadership skills and lasting relationships with each other and community leaders. The program runs from October through May.
Through interaction and problem solving with peer and community leaders, students:
Learn about York County government, business, human services, and cultural arts
Meet students from other York County schools
Develop leadership skills
Discuss issues with community leaders
In addition to a Saturday retreat and 6 weekday sessions, the students perform community service projects, meet with established community leaders, participate in a community leader networking session and learn about informed giving and grant-making, both in theory and in actual practice.
Program Facilitators: Kathy Deisley & Kim Lentz
Application Process
Students are selected by their respective school districts in late spring for participation during the following school year, and represent most public and private high schools in York County.
High school personnel are encouraged to look beyond typical school leadership criteria when selecting participants in order to identify previously untapped leadership potential.
The tuition for participating students is $500, and is covered by the sponsoring school. This fee does not, however, cover the true cost of the program, and Leadership York relies on the generosity of York County's business and philanthropic community in order to offer this training in community involvement for our youth.
Students interested in Future Leaders of York should apply through their high school guidance office.
FUTURE LEADERS OF YORK PROGRAM
AWARDS GRANTS TO THREE NONPROFITS
Through our partnership with the York County Community Foundation (YCCF), Future Leaders of York (FLY) students experienced the grantmaking process firsthand by reviewing proposals, evaluating community needs, and making real funding decisions.
The grantmaking process challenges FLY students to think critically, lead collaboratively, and invest in their community, gaining firsthand experience in how thoughtful leadership and philanthropy can make a lasting difference.
This year's class awarded $20,000 in grants to support three impactful initiatives across York County:
Photo Credit: Roque Visuals
United Way of York County's Ride United Initiative to provide emergency transportation for individuals traveling to and from work.
Crispus Attucks York's Career Focus Institute to expand hands-on career exploration, mentorship, and workforce development opportunities for local youth.
STRIVE PA's Workforce Development for Reentrants to help returning citizens access essential resources needed to secure and maintain employment.
“Future Leaders of York instilled in me the concept of philanthropy at a much earlier stage in my life compared to the rest of my peers. As I reflect on where I am now with my career and my involvement in the community, I definitely credit FLY as being the main contributor of my passion to serve the local community. ”
