The LYPC Program
Each year, we partner with local schools and youth-serving organizations to recruit a diverse cohort of high school students. Through 48 hours of coursework over 16 Saturdays, they learn how nonprofits work and develop leadership skills. We teach them why, how and what nonprofits do to empower marginalized communities. We introduce them to community leaders to learn and network. Each team acts like a nonprofit board. It establishes its mission, identifies and interviews potential grantees, does pre-/post-grant site visits, makes a $5,000 grant, hosts a grantee awards celebration and raises funds for next year’s grant-making. There are a number of benefits to our work:
-
Introduces philanthropy to high school students
-
Empowers high school students to use their voices to make a direct impact on this community
-
Teaches leadership skills
-
Connects students to community issues and those who are working to make positive changes
-
Engages students with local leaders
-
Creates civic engagement
Overview
Learn. Lead. Act. Inspire.
ELIGIBILITY: any high school student grades 9-12 in public, private or parochial schools in Jefferson and contiguous counties who has a passion for civic engagement and the nonprofit world.
COST: completely free to participants!
SELECTION CRITERIA: passion for service and ability to commit to the program.
TIMING: 16 Saturday sessions throughout the school year, August through March. Classes meet from 11am to 2:00pm – and lunch is provided!
CELEBRATION DINNER: LYPC concludes in March with a formal celebration dinner and presentation of grants to the non-profits, completely led by the students
Application Process
Apply
The LYPC application is due May15th
Interview
Each applicant will participate in an interview. These are opportunities for us to learn about you and your passion for joining LYPC.
Selections
Student selections are complete by the beginning of July for the next council program year.
First class
The LYPC classes begin in August of each year.
College Credit
Making a difference through collaboration
In 2018, LYPC began a partnership with the University School of Business to offer a college credit program. Eligible students can earn three hours of fully-transferable college credit in Business Management 101 by completing the LYPC requirements, plus additional reading and writing assignments.
While there is a reduced-rate cost to participate in the college credit program, LYPC created a scholarship fund for students who need financial support to pay tuition. As of 2023 we have had 48 students successfully complete the program and we have awarded over $10,200 in scholarship funds to support our student's participation.
Our sponsor is Dr. Nat Irvin, Assistant Dean of the School of Business. He is an author, innovator, futurist, teacher, composer and former radio and television commentator, Nat Irvin, II, serves as Assistant Dean of Thought Leadership and Civic Engagement, and Woodrow M. Strickler Chair, Professor of Management Practice, University of Louisville, College of Business. He teaches graduate courses in the future of management, leadership, and team dynamics.
More Information
Student Info
Take a moment to learn all the benefits, logistics and pertinent information about joining LYPC.
Educator Info
Know a student who enjoys developing leadership skills? Appreciates making community connections? Has a history of civic engagement or community involvement? Learn more about referring students to LYPC.
Parent/Guardian Info
As parent/guardian it is important to have a full understanding of our program and what your child will be learning and doing.
