The Foundation’s 2nd annual Youth Engagement Leadership Academy (YELA) is underway!
This year, nine students from Woodbury schools are attending the academy dedicated to service learning and leadership development.
“It is inspiring to see young people take action to be involved in the community,” said program leader Matt Johnson. “Our hope is that these high school seniors will further explore their passion for community engagement and turn into tomorrow’s community leaders.”
Students will learn from experienced community leaders across several organizations that serve Woodbury, including the Woodbury Community Foundation, City of Woodbury, Lions Club, Rotary Club, the Woodbury Heritage Society and SoWashCoCares.
In addition to community service, participants will acquire skills to succeed in the business environment and explore entrepreneurship that can be applied to the real world. We hope that these students will bring skills learned in YELA into their next stage of life as young adults, enhancing the communities they live in.
One participant will be selected to win a scholarship based on an essay and completion of the program. This scholarship is made possible by funds raised during the Rounds for Rebz golf tournament in memory of community leader and former City Councilmember Paul Rebholz.
Join YELA 2024
High school sophomores and juniors who are interested in participating in the 2024 YELA can send an email to be added to the waitlist. Registration will open in March 2024.
Adults can participate in the Community Academy, held annually in February-April. Registration for the academy opens in September.
