Right Now, Not Someday: Investing in Youth Leadership & Service for a Stronger Future

The Excellence in Youth Leadership and Service Foundation believes that youth leadership matters. Not someday, not when they’re older, but right now. With decades of experience as youth mentors and educators, we’ve always asked, are youth given enough opportunities to lead?

Think back to when you were in high school—did anyone trust you to make real decisions or give you the chance to step up and lead? Now, as a parent, ask yourself: is my child given the opportunity to lead? For many young people, the answer is often no.

At school, students usually don’t get much say—they follow the curriculum. Coaches call the plays. Musical directors pick the songs. And even in youth programs, where there’s a lot to learn and achieve, how often do young people actually get to lead or choose their own direction? Probably not as often as they should. A survey by the Aspen Institute found an opportunity gap for many youth. Fewer than 16% of youth in the U.S. have participated in leadership experiences proven to make a lasting impact by the time they reach age 25.  

We’ve seen firsthand the benefits of youth leadership and service programs. There are great youth-led programs in communities across New York, giving youth leaders the opportunity to stand out and lead.

What are the benefits and why should we invest in youth leadership and service programs:

1. Builds confidence and self-esteem – When young people are empowered to take initiative, make decisions, and see the impact of their actions, they see their capabilities and develop a positive self-image.
2. Develops Critical Life Skills – Communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork are all skills young people need for success in school, at work, and in personal relationships.
3. Increases Civic Engagement and Social Responsbility – Youth-led community service projects teach empathy, build a strong sense of connection between neighbors, and deepen our commitment to making a positive impact in the places we call home.
4. Helps Prepare Youth for Future Leadership Roles – By taking on real responsibilities, youth leaders gain valuable hands-on experience that equips them for challenges ahead. Their successes build confidence, and their setbacks offer lessons that shape resilient, capable adult leaders.

We can increase access to youth leadership programs and support the organizations that inspire, empower, and ignite leadership in youth today. The Excellence in Youth Leadership and Service Foundation ensures impactful youth leadership programs are accessible to all New York youth, regardless of where they live or what their family can afford. United in purpose, our coalition of donors and partners empowers youth mentors to build spaces where young people not only discover their strengths, grow their skills, and learn the true power of teamwork but also grow into leaders who will uplift their communities and shape a brighter future for all.