Teen Leadership Programs
Program Questions
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
The first step is to apply. Our Summer Leadership Academy is a competitive, merit-based program for teens (ages 13-18) who have an interest in volunteering and practicing leadership skills. Participants are selected based on the strength of their application and group interview and the number of spots available in the program.
To learn more, check out our Teen Leadership Program page.
To learn more, check out our Teen Leadership Program page.
DO THESE PROGRAMS HAVE FEES?
Yes, we collect program fees to cover the cost of training activities and supplies.
We offer fee assistance for families with a demonstrated financial need. Program fees and requests for fee assistance will be processed after teens are notified of their acceptance into the program.
We offer fee assistance for families with a demonstrated financial need. Program fees and requests for fee assistance will be processed after teens are notified of their acceptance into the program.
DO YOU OFFER FEE ASSISTANCE?
Yes, we offer fee assistance to families with a demonstrated financial need. Families approved for fee assistance will have the full cost of their program fee covered.
Interested families can learn more on our fee assistance page and apply using our Fee Assistance Form.
Teens applying for fee assistance must have been accepted into the program, commit to all program dates and have reliable access to transportation. Requests for fee assistance will be processed after families are notified of acceptance into the program.
There is no need to apply for fee assistance prior to being accepted into the program. Early or prior requests for fee assistance will not be taken into account when considering teens for acceptance into the Summer Leadership Academy.
Interested families can learn more on our fee assistance page and apply using our Fee Assistance Form.
Teens applying for fee assistance must have been accepted into the program, commit to all program dates and have reliable access to transportation. Requests for fee assistance will be processed after families are notified of acceptance into the program.
There is no need to apply for fee assistance prior to being accepted into the program. Early or prior requests for fee assistance will not be taken into account when considering teens for acceptance into the Summer Leadership Academy.
What activities will participants take part in this summer?
Participants will receive hands-on, interactive training in leadership, service, project planning and teamwork alongside their peers. They will work on a group service project together. After training, they will be assigned a mentee who they will help guide through a personal service project.
DO GUARDIANS ATTEND WITH THEIR TEENS?
Guardians must assist their teen with transportation to and from all activities and training sessions, in addition to helping teens pick up and drop off supplies at the Generation SERVE office as needed.
All other training and activities will be supervised by Generation SERVE staff and/or Activity Leads, unless otherwise stated. Guardians will be provided with an agreement outlining their responsibilities throughout the course of the program.
All other training and activities will be supervised by Generation SERVE staff and/or Activity Leads, unless otherwise stated. Guardians will be provided with an agreement outlining their responsibilities throughout the course of the program.
I'M A FAMILY SPONSOR. IS MY ACCEPTANCE GUARANTEED?
Our Family Sponsors receive a discount on Service Learning and Teen Leadership Program fees, but they are not guaranteed acceptance into our programs. Teens' availability, completed Teen Leadership Form, two completed references and group interview performance are all taken into account when accepting applicants.
DO I HAVE TO BE A LONG-TIME VOLUNTEER WITH GENERATION SERVE TO PARTICIPATE?
No, this program is open to both teens who have volunteered with us for a long time and completely new families to Generation SERVE. If you are new to Generation SERVE, please register your family here. Guardians of teens who are accepted into the program must complete this registration form before teens participate.
Cancellation policy
A non-refundable processing fee of $75 is included in the price of your program fee. Cancellations made before June 1, 2021 will receive a full refund, minus the $75 processing fee. Cancellations cannot be processed after June 1, 2021.
Application Questions
WHAT DO APPLICATIONS ENTAIL?
The teen interested in participating in the program will need to complete the application. We will then send a guardian agreement to the parent/guardian listed on the application.
After our review of the applications submitted, we will reach out to teens who are selected for a group interview. Our summer participants will be selected after the group interviews.
After our review of the applications submitted, we will reach out to teens who are selected for a group interview. Our summer participants will be selected after the group interviews.
WHAT DOES THE GROUP INTERVIEW ENTAIL?
After reviewing all applications, our team will select applicants to invite to a group interview. This interview is designed to be fun, collaborative and give everyone a chance to shine! It will consist of large and small group activities, as well as a short question and answer period.
We look for motivated and inclusive candidates who are ready to have fun while learning!
We look for motivated and inclusive candidates who are ready to have fun while learning!
How do i apply for fee assistance?
Parents or guardians of teens accepted into the Summer Leadership Academy are welcome to apply for fee assistance using our Fee Assistance Form. Families must demonstrate financial need to be eligible for assistance.
There is no need to apply for fee assistance prior to being accepted into the program. Teens applying for fee assistance must have been accepted into the program, commit to all program dates and have reliable access to transportation. Requests for fee assistance will be processed after families are notified of acceptance into the program.
Early or prior requests for fee assistance will not be taken into account when considering teens for acceptance into the Summer Leadership Academy. To learn more about fee assistance, visit our fee assistance page.
There is no need to apply for fee assistance prior to being accepted into the program. Teens applying for fee assistance must have been accepted into the program, commit to all program dates and have reliable access to transportation. Requests for fee assistance will be processed after families are notified of acceptance into the program.
Early or prior requests for fee assistance will not be taken into account when considering teens for acceptance into the Summer Leadership Academy. To learn more about fee assistance, visit our fee assistance page.
I'm going on vacation this summer. can I still participate?
Ideally, program participants are able to attend all program dates. However, missed program dates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Availability will be considered when reviewing your Summer Leadership Academy application. Attendance cannot be split between the June and July cohorts.
Contact us at teenprograms@generationserve.org with any questions or concerns about specific dates.
Contact us at teenprograms@generationserve.org with any questions or concerns about specific dates.
can my teen still apply if we missed the information session?
Yes! The info sessions are completely optional. Teens are welcome to apply even if unable to make either session.
I have a sibling. Will we both be admitted to the program?
Each teen's application and interview will be evaluated separately. Admission is not guaranteed because of a sibling or a friend in the program.