Leadership Opportunities
Points of Light Youth leadership (PYLI)
The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley is pleased to offer the Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute to high-school aged youth in the Lehigh Valley. The Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute (PYLI) is a unique training program designed to help prepare young people for leadership roles in their communities. Through a state-of-the-art curriculum that includes both classroom instruction and experiential training, the Institute teaches high-school aged youth a broad array of leadership skills applicable to community service.
Mission
The mission of PYLI is to help create stronger communities and a stronger nation by giving as many young people as possible the ability and desire to make meaningful, lifelong contributions to their communities.
History
PYLI was originally created in 1996 by the Prudential Insurance Company of America as part of The Prudential Spirit of Community Initiative, a series of programs designed to promote youth volunteering. The Points of Light Foundation has administered PYLI since 1998, and in 2004, ownership of the program was transferred to the Foundation. Currently there are PYLI trainers in 48 states/territories and 10 countries. Together, they have reached more than 15,000 young people.
Impact
An evaluation of 1,000 students who participated in the Institute showed a significant increase in the students' self-awareness, self-confident, ability to impact the community, goal setting skills, communication skills, and team building skills.
This program will be offered Summer 2009. Scholarships are available to subsidize the $40 materials fee.
Valley Youth Volunteers
The thirteen students who completed the 2008 summer PYLi decided to form a group to develop fun and meaningful opportunities for teens - this was the beginning of the Valley Youth Volunteer Program. The Volunteer Center will coordinate and supervise the VYV, where students from the 2008 summer PYLi training will develop opportunities to engage their peers in service. As additional students receive the PYLi training, they will be invited to join the group. This group will continue leadership development in PYLi students, engage new students in service, educate students on local issues, and provide valuable services to the community. The Volunteer Center sees this as an ideal opportunity to keep PYLi participants engaged in service and to further empower youth leaders.
2008 Summer PYLi students participate in Make a Difference Day on October 25, 2008 at the Rooney Senior Center
Youth Leadership Council
Coming soon!
For more information on youth programs, contact us at youth@volunteerlv.org
