YLA

YLA is a non-profit organization that fosters leadership and networking among high school students. Over the past seven years we have been connecting students with civic, business, and community leaders. Some of the notable organizations with which we collaborate include the City of Anaheim, Hilton Anaheim and the Disneyland Resort.

 

By bringing young and aspiring leaders into the community, we help the youth to develop and mature into leaders of tomorrow. By allowing the YLA Youth Board to choose their own activities and direction, we create an atmosphere in which the youth can learn to be leaders with real life experience.

Our 14-week program provides high school students with the tools and environment they need to develop into great leaders. Included in the YLA “toolbox” are: necessary finances, access to key community leaders, relationships with area business, mentoring, and a positive environment that motivates young people to help themselves by helping others.

YLA

Youth Leadership America is the outgrowth of Youth Leadership Anaheim, a program that was founded in 2002 by a group of high school students in Anaheim, California. Inspired by the vision of program founder John Nguyen, these youth created a leadership development program that was operated by high school students for high school students.

John approached Leadership Anaheim, an Anaheim-based not-for-profit, with his idea to inspire youth to lead by giving them the opportunity to interact and work with community leaders. Chartered as the youth component of Leadership Anaheim, Youth Leadership Anaheim was born. Each year a youth board of directors comprised of ten to twenty high school students operated and expanded the program. Under the guidance of youth board and holding to the belief that “Leaders are made, not born,” Youth Leadership Anaheim flourished as it molded young people into skilled leaders.

Three years later, John Nguyen, along with some other founding board members, facilitated an intense weekend of goal setting for the 2005-2006 youth board. It was here that the youth board decided that they wanted to share the benefits of their program with young people all across the United States. This goal setting session inspired Alexi Robichaux, one of the co-founders with John Nguyen and others, to envision a new YLA, a Youth Leadership America, that would be its own nonprofit commissioned with spreading the YLA model across America.

In January of 2006, with the support of our youth members, community partners, and Youth Leadership Anaheim, Youth Leadership America was officially founded as its own 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. To this day, we continue to excel as Anaheim’s premier youth leadership program and aggressively pursue our vision of exporting our community-centric leadership development model throughout all of America.

“There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that once unleashed can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality. Youth Leadership America’s comprehensive hands-on curriculum affords us the opportunities to develop today’s young people into tomorrow’s adult leaders.” John Nguyen, Founder

YLA

Youth Leadership America is fortunate to have incredible individuals volunteering their time to form the Corporate Board, Staff Team and Youth Board. Click on the photo to find out more about each valuable contributor.

 

YLA

YLA would not be able to successfuly survive without our amazing sponsors. It is because of them that the Youth Associates are able to have such a rich program experience without the large price tag.

Any questions? Please email our CFO, James Kwok, at jkwok@ylamerica.org for any inquiries.

Diamond Circle

Platinum Circle

  • Curt & Alexis Pringle
  • Rudolf & Teresa Bartens Family

Gold Circle

  • City of Anaheim
  • Boeing Employees Community Fund
  • Anaheim Public Utilities
  • PSAV Presentation Services
  • Jim Collins, “Good to Great – Social Sectors”

Silver Circle

  • Anaheim Chamber of Commerce
  • Anaheim White House
  • Aramark
  • California State University Fullerton
  • Dr. Tom & Cynthia Coad
  • Friar Tux Shop
  • Grainger
  • Hitachi Consulting
  • Instrumental Savings
  • J & N Financial Group
  • Wells Fargo

Bronze Circle

  • 7 Day Dental
  • Alexi Robichaux
  • Anaheim Garden Walk
  • Chapman University
  • Carolyn Bryant
  • Connie Phillips
  • Glenroe Group
  • Kiwanis Club of Greater Anaheim
  • Kris Murray
  • Masterpiece Publishing
  • Pepz Pizza
  • Pixel Dreams Media
  • Redefinding Divorce
  • Solari Enterprises
  • Tait & Associates
  • The Hoagy Company
 

YLA

If you have the desire to be a leader and be successful in your endeavors, then YLA is for you.

You might be asking yourself, “What’s so special about YLA?” As former and current members of Key Club, FBLA, ASB and other student organizations, we totally understand and appreciate the question. The answer is actually very simple. YLA is different because it gives you the freedom to pursue your dreams as well as the resources necessary to transform them into realities. We have a unique 14 week program filled with important networking and professional development workshops that is rare to find for high school students.

YLA Founder, John Nguyen, and a group student leaders were tired of attending leadership conferences with the same adult speakers, disenchanted with the bureaucracy of high school clubs, and fed up with only wishing they were involved in something more influential, formed an organization dedicated to the proposition that high school students can be a powerful force for positive change in their communities.

We’ve been developing and pursuing our vision and mission over the past few years, and we are very excited about this year’s program. We believe that this year’s program will not only entice and excite high school students about leadership, it will also forge lasting relationships between our members and members of the community.

Become a YLA Associate today by submitting your online application by September 9, 2011. The 14-week program beginning this fall is $75 per Associate. This comes out to less than $5.50 per week!

CLICK TO APPLY

Join us for a YLA information session on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at the Downtown Anaheim Community Center on Anaheim Blvd. and Center St. to learn more about the program.

YLA

We understand the importance of parents knowing what their child is doing in their everyday life. It is our goal to keep our youth Associates and their parents on the same page with equal access to important information on the program. 

Below is a tentative schedule of events for the 2010-2011 program. Events are subject to change to an equally important workshop.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 – Information Session: Prospective YLA Associates and their parents will learn all about YLA – the history, the program, and the staff. Parents are highly encouraged to accompany their sons and daughters. Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Location: Anaheim Downtown Community Center on Anaheim Blvd. and Center St. 

September 29, 2010 – Kick Off Event: First official event for the 75 Associates accepted into YLA! Through this first event, Associates will learn about the details of the program and interact with the Youth Board and their future colleagues. Time: TBA Location: Anaheim Hilton.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010 – Disney Leadership Training: Our goal is to provide Associates with a unique leadership development experience. In this session, hosted by the Disney College program, the Associates will receive an exclusive professional training session on “How to create a good first impression.” Time: TBA Location: Team Disney Anaheim.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010 – Improv Night: As growing leaders, our Associates must be able to present themselves in a professional manner while under a variety of situations. At this session, the Associates will participate in improvisational scenarios to enhance their quick thinking skills. Time: TBA Location: Hasket Library.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 – Professional Workshop: Preparation for the working world involves strong skills in resume writing and job interviewing. Through a professional workshop, the Associates will practice and receive advice on how to become a stronger candidate for a future internship or job. Time: TBA Location: Anaheim Police Department

Wednesday, October 27, 2010 – Halloween Bonding: To get into the spooky spirit of Halloween, YLA Associates will spend the evening competing in traditional games and activities to build group camaraderie. Time: TBA Location: Anaheim Downtown Community Center.

Wednesday, November 3Introductions to Majors/College Workshop: Business or Humanities? Engineering or Social Sciences? The Associates will feel more confident about their future as they learn more about college majors through this workshop hosted by Cal State Fullerton.

College Campus Tour: The Associates will visit a college campus and receive the inside scoop on college life from a YLA Alumni.

Community Service Event #1: Using the city as a classroom, the Associates will come into contact with the community and learn about the importance of service. They will work in small groups to executive their own community service project.

Disney Formal Etiquette Dinner: Does the fork go on the left or the right of the plate? Which glass is for water? The plate setting may seem daunting, but through Disney Formal Etiquette Dinner, Associates will learn exactly how to properly dine in style.

Mentor Rotation: In order for the Associates to become strong leaders, it is important to seek inspiration and guidance in others. Through this event, the Associates will interact with successful individuals from areas of government, business, law enforcement, and much more.

Entrepreneurship Workshop: If you dream it, you can do it. In this workshop Associates will learn the basics of entrepreneurship and may even walk away with ideas to start their own business.

Community Service Event #2: Each group of Associates is given 10 minutes to showcase their community service project and will be judged by the advisors upon their originality and creativity.

Public Speaking Workshop: The um’s and the like’s will no longer be a part of an Associates vocabulary. Associates will learn effective ways to speak confidently in front of their peers and even stadium-sized audience!

Obstacle Course: Through an interactive day at the park, the Associates will be put to the test to see who remembers and demonstrates the leadership skills they have been taught the past 14 weeks.

YLA Graduation: Hats off to the Associates for completing YLA and learning how to become effective and confident leaders.

YLA

We will soon be posting on this page information for educators, and how they can take the Youth Leadership America vision and apply it to their classroom. If you are an educator interested in this opportunity, please check back frequently for updates!

 

YLA

YLA Associate profiles comming soon…

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YLA

Welcome to our advice page! The following videos are by students for students on our YLA YouTube channel. Toggle through our YouTube player to learn everything you need to know, from tying a tie to nailing an interview.

Have a question that isn’t answered here? Click the “Ask for Advice” button and we will make a video especially for you!

YLA

Got a question that you would like to see answered? Fill out the form below and we will give you our advice ASAP! If you are lucky, you may even see your question featured on our main “Advice Videos” page, so be sure to check back often!




 

YLA

KICK OFF RECAP

September 24th, 2011

KICK OFF
September 21, 2011
Anaheim Hilton
Thank you so much to everyone for coming out to our first event! We hope you had fun getting to know your group members and YLA  as a whole.

A few reminders:

  • Please remember to dress appropriately for each event.
  • You must inform your group leaders and the executive board about any absences OR tardies more than 24 hours in advance before each event. Otherwise, these will be considered unexcused.
  • Keep in touch with your group! Get to know one another.
  • If you have a facebook, join our YLA Group for this year! #mce_temp_url# Props to Connor Regan for taking the initiative to make this page :]

Upcoming Events:
• Bonding Event- Maxwell Park. September 28, 2011 CASUAL DRESS

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YLA’s VP of Marketing featured on The Huffington Post.

May 11th, 2011

Our VP of Marketing, Matthew Manos was featured on the Huffington Post and gave a nice shout-out to YLA! Check out the post and learn more about our partners at a verynice design studio.

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Youth Leadership America 2009-2010 Community Annual Report

May 3rd, 2011

Our 2009-2010 community annual report is live and available for download! Please click on the image above to check it out. This past year has brought with it a lot of accomplishments – the launch of our new brand and website, the development of our marketing team, unbelievable promotional success in our community relations department, new collaborations with local organizations and corporations, a bigger and better youth program, and all kinds of new programs to come! Join us in enjoying our story from the past year and look forward to the story of out years to come. We are very proud of our accomplishments, and cannot wait to continue to stride towards a world of youth leaders! Download the annual report here: PDF.

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New YLA Associate Info Night This Wednesday

September 7th, 2010

By now you have watched our music video “Confidence aka T.O.T.W.”  and LOVE it! But how do you learn more about being apart of Youth Leadership America?

EASY! Come to our Information Night this Wednesday, September 8th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Anaheim Downtown Community Center on Anaheim Blvd. and Center St.  CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

Prospective YLA Associates and their parents will learn all about YLA – the history, the program, the application and the staff. Parents are highly encouraged to accompany their sons and daughters. 

YLA founders John Nygen and Alexi Robichaux will be there along with the YLA Youth Board to answer questions and share about our exciting 2010-2011 Associate program.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Ghandi

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Thanks for coming out tonight!

September 3rd, 2010

Thank you so much to all who came out to support YLA at our Brand Launch Party tonight.

We had such a great time with you and will soon post event photos on our Picassa photo site.

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

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YLA

Sponsor a youth Associate for our Fall 2010 leadership program. ($75/ea.)

Donate to YLA’s general fund and support our programs and operations.

YLA

Volunteer Staff Positions

Social Media & Online Director (Marketing Team)

The Youth Leadership America Marketing team is an eclectic mix of the best and brightest in the design, strategy, branding, and development sectors. We currently have an open position for a social media & online director.

Social Media Manager

• strategize ways for YLA to raise questions and provoke dialogue with facebook fans, youtube enthusiasts, blog readers, and twitter followers.

• emphasis on facebook and twitter – video and blog capabilities / interests a plus

• raise overall virtual community recognition and participation

Online Director

• Update certain aspects of teh site when necessary.

• Please be familiar with the WordPress backend. Training will be provided for intermediate or novice, yet qualified volunteer applicants.

Does this sound interesting to you? Email matt@ylamerica.org with your resume, and a brief statement of interest.

Controller

Oversee daily finance, accounting and budget management functions to establish and maintain an effective financial structure that is congruent with YLA’s goals and objectives.

Financial Planning and Analysis
• Recommend benchmarks for measuring the financial and operating performance of divisions and departments
• Monitor and analyze monthly operating results against budget
• Work with the CFO and Officers to develop business plans for the organization

Financial Reporting
• Prepare and maintain regular financial planning reports (profit and loss statements and forecasts by department)
• Manage the preparation of financial outlooks and financial forecasts
• Manage the preparation of the official annual report of actual revenues, transfers, and expenses
• Prepare various analyses and reports required by CFO or other executives

Cash Management
• Manage cash on weekly basis; approve weekly payables; execute check signing
• Manage accounts receivable and provide support for collections activities

Accounting and Administration
• Enhance and implement financial and accounting systems, processes, tools and control systems; maintain the organization’s chart of accounts
• Ensure maintenance of appropriate internal controls and financial procedures
• Ensure timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of financial and management reporting for funders, foundations and Board
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal budgetary reporting requirements
• Remain up-to-date on nonprofit audit best practices and state and federal law regarding nonprofit corporations
• Direct financial audits and provide recommendations for procedural improvements
• Perform periodic bank reconciliations and period audits of organization expenses.

Supportive Functions:
• Serve on planning and policy-making committees
• All other duties as assigned

If this looks like something you’re interested in helping out with or if you just want more info, please contact julie@ylamerica.org. Thanks!

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