WARREN Donation allows for follow-up component

One goal is to show kids what the region has to offer so that they will want to stay here after they complete their educations
WARREN -- In an effort to identify, develop and motivate potential leaders among Mahoning Valley youths, First Place Bank Community Foundation has donated $15,000 to Youth Leadership Mahoning Valley.
Established in 1994, Youth Leadership is patterned after Leadership Mahoning Valley for adults and each year recruits about 40 high school sophomores from the region to participate in the year-long program.
Participants devote one day a month to learning about various aspects of the area: government, business, media, entertainment, culture, heritage and diversity.
Expanding horizons: The knowledge and understanding they acquire prepares them for greater community involvement so they can make meaningful contributions to the region's growth and prosperity, said Sharon Letson, youth director.
One goal is to show kids what the region has to offer so that they will want to stay here after they complete their educations and continue to contribute to the community.
The donation will allow Youth Leadership to add a follow-up component to the program that will encourage young people to join the boards of various community organizations and help prepare the organizations for young board members.
Having young people on the boards helps the community, the kids, and the board. "We all win all the way around," Letson said.
Young board members, she added, provide a fresh outlook and enthusiasm some boards are missing and allows the students to use what they've learned.
This year, 42 students from 36 area schools will complete the Youth Leadership program. They are the seventh class to graduate from the program.