our programs - youth leadership academy (yla)

youth & police initiative (YPI) // youth leadership academy (YLA) // changing the game

Beyond the Youth & Police Initiative, Youth Link has established another very successful program to ensure a brighter and better future for these for at-risk youth and graduates of the YPI training program. The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) offers project-based learning through an interactive curriculum that focuses on four core areas for young people living in troubled and impoverished neighborhoods: Leadership; Community Service; Conflict Resolution; and Job Readiness.

YLA approaches are based upon the best practices that help young people develop important life skills necessary to have a positive impact in their communities and schools. Core facets of the program include mentoring, college prep and tours, culinary arts, leadership, communication and presentation skills and mediation training. Youth Link’s efforts have resulted in reduced juvenile crime, increased educational attainments, and youth developing and achieving pivotal goals.