Junior Leadership Dayton Students Graduate Program More Service-Oriented
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jennifer Mueller, Director of Teen Leadership
Phone Number: 937.223.5201
Fax Number: 937.223.3997
Junior Leadership Dayton Students Graduate Program More Service-Oriented
May 16, 2005- On May 19, 2005, 58 high school juniors from 21 area high schools will graduate from the YMCA Junior Leadership Dayton (JLD) program during a ceremony at Wright State University. Now in its fifth year, this important leadership program brings together high school juniors from throughout the Dayton community. The program consists of monthly program days focused on various community and leadership topics as well as two retreats. Students not only improve their leadership and teamwork skills but also experience diversity training and participate in community service projects.
The YMCA of Greater Dayton is committed to helping young people build bright futures, said Jennifer Mueller, Director of Teen Leadership. Through this YMCA program, teens focus on leadership development, personal growth, service to others, and social development. They also work to build character through the promotion of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
So far this year, JLD students have volunteered time at St. Vincent DePaul as well as an area soup kitchen. They have also collected cans and donations for the American Red Cross and have planned a dinner and dance party for the Compassionate Friends of the Miami Valley, a group for families who have lost a child, sibling or grandchild. Most recently, the students created a fund at a local elementary school for at-risk families. The money the students put into the fund will be used by families at the school who need help paying for field trips, lunch and school supplies.
Additionally, the JLD Alumni Resource staff has donated over 600 hours of service this year to the JLD program by assisting in planning, fundraising, interviewing, and volunteering during program days. The Alumni Resource staff consists of youth who have graduated from the JLD program and want to give back to the program through volunteer service.
The YMCA of Greater Dayton, Wright State University, The Dayton Foundation and the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce partner together to provide this experience to young people at no cost. Students must apply through their schools and go through an interview process to be selected. For more information about this and other YMCA teen programs, visit www.ymcaonline.org.