Youth Treatment & Education Center Leadership Program: Peer and Adult Support Builds Leadership

Most participants in the Leadership Program are first-generation college-going youth, many of whom are also the first in their extended families to complete high school. The YTEC  Leadership Program provides participants with “the ongoing adult and peer support needed to counter negative social and environmental conditions. At the same time, it supports them in their pursuit of higher education, work, skills and experience. Furthermore, the program develops initiative, critical thinking and social consciousness through activism and service. Through practical skill-building, financial incentive, and deep, broad emotional & social support, the program emphasizes competencies known to promote success including: the ability to develop positive relationships with adults and peers, the ability to take on leadership roles, contributing to the well-being of the community, and developing academic, vocational, work readiness and independent living skills.”