Youth leadership program

The Youth Leadership Program (YLP) is a Valley United Way initiative dating back to 1990s, that gives high school seniors in Shelton, Ansonia, Seymour, Derby, and Oxford the opportunity to become leaders in their community.

Students gain hands-on experience in grant writing, financial literacy, and community impact, while helping to support local nonprofits focused on “Preparing Youth to Succeed.”

A special thank you to our community leaders who will be providing insight into the Valley! Youth leaders will learn from their insight in the topics of:

Government and State Funding: State Representative Kara Rochelle, representing the 104th District and the cities of Ansonia and Derby and former YLP student, will cover how public funds are allocated to local communities and the role of advocacy and youth voice in public policy.

Banking and Budgeting: Jeffrey Tracey, COO of Mutual Security Credit Union, who will discuss creating a budget for an organization and understanding fiscal responsibility in leadership roles.

Non-Profit Leadership: Shaye Roscoe, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of the LNV, Nicole Stere, Director of Resource Development for Boys & Girls Club of the LNV and Joe Andreo, Assistant Scout Executive for the Connecticut Yankee Council for Boy Scouts of America, will participate in a panel discussion on how nonprofits identify and respond to community needs.

Business and Corporate Responsibility: Bill Purcell, President of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce will discuss the role of businesses in strengthening communities and corporate social responsibility.

University Leadership: Dan Scofield-Bodt, former YLP student, serial entrepreneur and Harvard staff member, will discuss case studies in university leadership.

Special thank you to our Mentors and Volunteers: Frederick Elmy, Jennifer Franck, Alma Calderon, Rishawna Snow and Dr. Reese Morales