Youth Leadership Development Program Celebration

L-to-R: Ashray Gupta, Marcus Hultgren, Adam Hrastich, Ryan Hrastich, Max Gates, Jessica Dowdall, Mark Cavaleri (WCF Board Member)

On Sunday, January 22nd, six of the fourteen inaugural cohort participants in the Woodbury Area Youth Leadership Development Program met at Sole Mio to receive their completion certificates. The initial cohort, funded by the Woodbury Community Foundation and the Sundance Family Foundation, saw fourteen 10th-12th graders from Woodbury and East Ridge High School’s complete a six-week course that focused on entrepreneurial thought, community engagement and development of life skills.  The program brought in experienced entrepreneurs who have been successful in starting businesses in the community and representatives from several nonprofit organizations in the area to lead interactive discussions aimed at preparing participants for life after high school.  Lessons in building strength areas, understanding ways to engage in the community, and how to network and communicate with others were key elements of the program.

The second cohort of the program is scheduled to begin later this spring.  Registration information will be available in February.