Elon University's Center for Leadership, in coordination with two community partners, hosted the Alamance Youth Leadership Academy from June 14-17, 2015, to encourage local children to make a difference in their schools.
The summer program from June 14-17 empowered youth by teaching them how to make positive social change in their communities. Blessed Sacrament, Broadview, Burlington Christian Academy, The Burlington School, Clover Garden, Graham, Hawfields, Turrentine, Southern Alamance and Woodlawn sent student delegations to the academy.
The students started their week at the Elon Challenge Course where they worked together, solved problems and reflected on the activities. Throughout the week, students brainstormed strengths of their schools and generated ideas about possible changes that would improve their school environment, such as anti-bullying programs, academic enrichment, community service and facility enhancement.
Ideas will be evaluated and approved by school principals before students develop implementation strategies over the next two years.
The AYLA summer program was coordinated by Elon University student Ben Bridges, who served as a student facilitator last summer. Elon students, alumni and graduate interns served as facilitators and mentors for each school.
Additionally, staff members from the Center for Leadership, the Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement, New Student and Transition Programs, School of Communications, the Office of Residence Life, Center for Race Ethnicity and Diversity Education, and the Alamance County community helped the students to develop leadership and life skills such as courage, public speaking, teamwork, utilizing resources, collaboration and communication.
AYLA students concluded the program by presenting their top three school improvement ideas to other schools’ delegations, parents, teachers, administrators and community members. Barbara Massey from the Alamance Chamber of Commerce, Elon University Dean of Student Development Rex Waters, and Director of the Center for Leadership Steve Mencarini spoke to students about what it means to be a leader in the community.
AYLA began in early 2000 as a partnership with Turrentine Middle School designed to empower local youth to emerge as leaders in their school communities. It has since grown into a program for schools across the county. For more information, visit the AYLA and/or Chamber of Commerce websites.