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Summer Guidance Internships


 

 

 

 

 

The Program and Goal:

At the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA), our goal is to get our students to college and graduate.  YLA recognizes factors like being financially disadvantaged, being from a minority population, and having inexperience with college are barriers that can hinder our students.  According to the National Center of Education Statistics, more than 40% of students who start college drop out, and that number is 10-20% higher for minorities.  A key factor for our students to graduate from college is for our students to be confident in their major of study.  One of the most important things a student can do to graduate from college is to pick the right major: in an article from Newsweek on November 11, 2013, Kelsey Sheehy wrote, “Students who select a major that matches their interests are more likely to stick with it and finish their degree on time”.  

 

Our Internship Placement Program focuses on the potential careers of each student, and is structured for mentoring and exploration.  In these internships, our students will acquire real work-life experience, along with crucial skills and resources that will serve them later in college, the community, and the future workplace.  The program is geared towards enhanced understanding of the inner workings of a particular profession for each student, as well as general understanding of the workplace overall. YLA will be partnering with Alignment Collaboration for Education to accomplish this goal.

 

For Companies:

  •  We are asking companies to not only give students a “job” but to advise them in their career choice.  

  • Please provide a one-page description of the position for the student, along with a suggested work schedule.

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  • You will not be required to pay students as YLA will be using a grant to provide them with a stipend. However, if you choose to give students a small stipend, please let us know so that we may make adjustments to accommodate more students to the program.

  • Please complete this form.

 

For Students:

  • Decide if you will serve 20 hours between June 10 and Aug 9, or if you will serve 60 hours between June 3 and August 2 to receive elective credit via school.

  • Should you decide to do elective credit, please know that this is not a guaranteed intern and you must compete for the position. 

  • Take a short survey before and after the program to provide feedback on your experience.

  • You must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) explaining the responsibilities of the hosting organization, YLA, and students once the host is selected.

  • Fill out this form to give to YLA and your intern employer.

  • Fill out this from after your internship for your stipend.

Summer College Trips

Request from Augustana College

On-Line Registration Link to be filled out

Rise and Shine Like the Roaring Twenties:

A Gatsby-Style Benefit Breakfast!

Join Us

Inspiring the next generation of leaders through innovative programs and mentorship. Together, we shape a brighter future. Unleash your potential and make a difference in your community. Join our Youth Leadership Academy today!

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Purchase Tickets

No Need for a printout, your name will be on our list.

Speaker - Rick Williams

Speaker's Bio

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Coach RickCoach Rick has dedicated his career to empowering and mentoring young athletes, helping them develop the skills, discipline, and confidence needed for success in both sports and life. With over 20 years of coaching experience, 6 years as a High School Athletic Director, and 8 years as a Travel Basketball Club owner, he has worked closely with hundreds of students—guiding them through the challenges of competition, academics, and personal growth.

 

As a former NCCAA All-American and current University Athletic Director, Coach Rick understands firsthand what it takes for young athletes to thrive. His mentorship focuses on more than just athletic performance; he emphasizes leadership, character development, and academic success, ensuring that students are prepared for opportunities beyond the game.

 

Coach Rick’s passion for working with youth stems from his belief that every child deserves guidance, support, and the tools to reach their full potential. His experience has shown him that success is not just about talent—it’s about having the right mindset, strong mentorship, and a support system that believes in their future.

 

As a featured speaker at the Youth Leadership Academy Benefit Breakfast, Coach Rick will share his insights on the importance of mentorship, resilience, and preparing students for lifelong achievement.

Day of the Event!

For YLA Staff and Volunteers only!

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