Youth Leadership Initiative

The Wilder Foundation Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) is a year-long youth development program serving more than 60 teens, ages 14–18, from Saint Paul each year. Research tells us that teenagers who take part in high-quality after school programs are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to use drugs. In Minnesota, immigrant and low-income teens are the least likely to have access to after school programs.

Through an average of 30 hours of programming each month, after school and on Saturdays, teens:

• Uncover their values and build their leadership skills
• Examine community issues and take action through community action teams
• Explore how culture, heritage and prejudice impact personal development
• Plan and prepare for their higher education
• Develop aspirations and strong visions for their future

Youth Leadership Initiative participants represent the diversity of the Saint Paul community:

• More than 35% are immigrants or refugees
• 28% are African American
• 45% are Asian
• 12% are Hispanic/Latino
• 3% are Native American
• 2% are White
• 10% are Multiracial

A gift to YLI will ensure that our community’s teenagers continue to have a chance to:

• Attend Multicultural Leadership Retreats
• Experience Cultural Saturday Sessions
• Serve on Community Action Teams
• Plan and build skills for higher education
• Develop strong visions for their futures

This is a wonderful opportunity to help ensure that young people in our community have a chance to reach their full leadership potential in every aspect of their life.