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University of Richmond to Launch Pilot After-School Leadership Program for Middle School Youth

January 11, 2002

The Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond will launch a pilot after-school leadership program this month for middle school students.

Funded by a grant from Verizon Foundation, the program is called YouthLead. Participants include youth from Binford Middle School, the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond (Randolph Community), the Northside YMCA and the Richmond Boys Choir.

Some 20 students at each of four sites will develop oral histories of their families and community leaders, learn about city and neighborhood history, identify city issues and develop solutions to local problems. Throughout the program, the students will integrate technology in their learning about leadership and in their creation of solutions to local problems.

Irving B. Taylor Jr., director, public policy and external affairs at Verizon, said of the new program: "Verizon Foundation seeks to support opportunities which combine literacy, technology, and community, especially with youth. On the brink of being leaders, middle school students represent a youth population poised to learn and grow and understand how their leadership can contribute to the community. YouthLead fits securely in our targets and reflects our e-literacy goals."

Jepson School student volunteers and alumni will be among those conducting YouthLead sessions. Planned activities include tours of neighborhoods and historic sites organized by the Valentine Richmond History Center and a visit to City Hall.

The three-month program will kick off at the university's Jepson Alumni Center Jan. 14 with guest speaker Albert J. Williams, Richmond school superintendent.