Youth Leadership

Middle school and high school students develop leadership skills throughout our summer Youth Leadership Program. Participants are trained alongside their peers in group facilitation, communication, problem solving, nonprofits, and fundraising. Then, they put this learning into action: leading or co-leading our Family Volunteering Activities and designing service projects to benefit the community. They stay on our service pathway and help inspire the next generation of volunteers and community leaders.

Teens take on a leadership role in our organization, positioning them for lifelong community leadership.

Teen Co-Leads (Middle School) train and assist our experienced Activity Leads at some of our larger activities, while completing an independent project to help our community.

Teen Leads (High School) train and work with our volunteer families to improve our community and teach our youth about empathy, hard work and service, while completing a group project of their choice.

Applications for our summer 2019 Youth Leadership Program will be accepted from February 12th to April 12th.

Teen Co-Lead Program
(Middle School)

For students entering 6th - 8th grade in the 2019-20 school year.

JUNE PROGRAM DATES
Orientation: June 3rd - 5th, 9am - Noon
Workshop 1: June 12th, 9am - Noon
Shadow Shift: June 19th, 9am - Noon
Workshop 2: June 26th, 9am - Noon
Project Deadline: July 23rd

JULY PROGRAM DATES
Orientation: July 10th, 9am - Noon &
     July 11th, 9am - 4pm
Workshop 1: July 17th, 9am - Noon
Shadow Shift: July 24th, 9am - Noon
Workshop 2: July 31st, 9am - Noon
Project Deadline: August 15th

Teen Co-Leads must co-lead at least 2 activities throughout the month.

Program Fee:
$170 for Family Sponsors
$180 for Non-Sponsors

Teen Lead Program
(High School)

For students entering 9th - 12th grade in the 2019-20 school year.

JUNE PROGRAM DATES
Orientation: June 3rd - 6th, 1pm - 4pm
Workshop 1: June 11th, 1pm - 4pm
Workshop 2: June 18th, 1pm - 4pm
Workshop 3: June 25th, 1pm - 4pm
Group Activity Due: July 23rd

JULY PROGRAM DATES
Orientation: July 8th & 9th, 9am - 4pm
Workshop 1: July 16th, 1pm - 4pm
Workshop 2: July 18th, 1pm - 4pm
Workshop 2: July 23rd, 1pm - 4pm
Group Activity Due: August 15th

Teen Leads must co-lead at least 3 activities and lead at least 3 activities throughout the month.

Program Fee:
$190 for Family Sponsors
$200 for Non-Sponsors

Apply for the Youth Leadership Program

Completed applications are due at 5pm on April 12th. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the program.

A completed application includes:

• Our online Youth Leadership Form, completed by the teen
• A signed Guardian Agreement Form
• Completed surveys from BOTH references

(Please submit Youth Leadership Forms early enough to allow guardians and references to complete their respective forms by the deadline.)

APPLY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM

APPLY FOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM

We will be hosting a June session and a July session for each age group.

Teens will be selected for the program based on the merits of their application, references and group interview.

Space is limited.

QUESTIONS? Take a look at our FAQ page. Or contact us at teenprograms@generationserve.org.

Learn how our Youth Leaders stay engaged with Generation SERVE year-round:
​

• Continue co-leading Family Volunteering activities
• Become a Generation SERVE Activity Lead
• Lead Teen Service Days and service fairs
• Assist with trainings and events during Youth Leadership alum-specific shifts
• Join our Teen Advisory Board!​

Want to hear what our teens think of the program? Read blog posts from our middle and high school program participants here and here.

​Register your family with Generation SERVE to receive communications about year-round opportunities for teens and check out our Teen Service page ​for other teen service opportunities.

Our Youth Leaders in Action

Teen Leads preparing to lead the
​Caritas of Austin family volunteering activity

Teen Leads at CPR training

Teen Co-Leads working together at their Crew Cluster meeting

Teen Leads pose for a picture at their Teen Huddle meeting

Teen Lead leading activities at Sammy's House Splash Day camp!

Teens helping to lead an activity at Caritas of Austin

Teen co-leading at El Buen Samaritano food pantry

Teen Lead taking picture of families with the cards
​they made at a Front Steps Card Making activity

Teen Lead, Mahir, introduces volunteer families to the Carrying Hope activity

Teen Service Day at Austin Humane Society

Teen Leads ready to read a story and lead a service activity at Whole Foods Kids' Club!

Teen Co-Leads participating in guided inquiry ​training during their orientation week

Teen Co-Leads with honorary Youth Lead, Texas First Lady, Cecilia Abbott

Teen Lead visits with a resident at Barton Hills Assisted Living!

Teen Leads, Aydan & Dylan, ready to lead an activity!

Teens help to lead a Generation SERVE corporate service fair!