First day of Youth Leadership Foundation

The year‑long Youth Leadership Foundations (YLF) program is a premier leadership development experience serving middle and high school students in Los Angeles, CA, Raleigh‑Durham, NC, and Indianapolis, IN. YLF is designed for youth who are ready to grow, stretch, and discover their unique leadership identity in a safe, supportive, and empowering environment.

Our Mission

To develop confident, self‑aware, future‑ready leaders who understand their strengths, communicate effectively, and make positive choices in school, at home, and in their communities.

What YLF Provides

We recognize the social, academic, and emotional pressures young people face today. YLF offers a structured pathway for youth to:

• Build self‑awareness and confidence

• Strengthen communication and social skills

• Develop leadership identity and purpose

• Form meaningful peer connections

• Practice real‑world decision‑making

• Gain exposure to positive role models

Program Format

YLF meets on the 3rd Saturday of every month for one-year, September through August.

• Middle School Sessions: 11:00 am–1:00 pm

• High School Sessions: 2:00 pm–4:00 pm

• Snacks & Drinks Provided: Every session

• Quarterly Group Mentoring: Integrated into the monthly structure

• Volunteer Projects: Two hands‑on service experiences per year

• Guest Speakers: Quarterly visits from local leaders and professionals

What Students Learn

Throughout the year, youth participate in engaging, hands‑on activities that build essential leadership and life skills, including:

• Leadership identity & strengths discovery

• Communication labs & public speaking practice

• Emotional intelligence & conflict resolution

• Financial literacy & real‑world money skills

• Time management & personal responsibility

• Collaborative problem‑solving & team challenges

• Community leadership & service‑driven projects

Separate middle school and high school tracks ensure age‑appropriate discussions, challenges, and mentorship. Learn more about the Youth Leadership Foundations Program (https://cswag.org/youth-leadership-academy/).

Optional 5‑Day Leadership Camp (Year‑End Capstone)

At the end of the program year, families may choose to enroll their child in our 5‑Day Leadership Camp, a resident capstone designed to deepen leadership skills, strengthen peer connections, and celebrate each participant’s growth. Over five days and four nights, youth participate in:

• Immersive leadership workshops

• Team‑building challenges

• Outdoor activities

• Guided reflection sessions

• Community‑building experiences

Youth‑Led Fundraising

Throughout the year, participants plan and lead youth‑driven fundraising activities to help offset the cost of the camp. These experiences teach:

• Communication

• Teamwork

• Budgeting

• Event planning

• Community engagement

Program Schedules

• Middle School Schedule: https://cswag.org/youth-leadership-foundations-ms-program-schedule/
• High School Schedule: https://cswag.org/ylf-hs-program-schedule/

Together, these experiences create a powerful, transformative leadership journey that prepares youth to step into their future with confidence, purpose, and a strong sense of who they are as emerging leaders.