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Last updated on Friday, May 29, 2015
(BEDFORD) - Local leaders announced applications are now being accepted for the second annual youth development program, the Lawrence County Youth Leadership Academy (YLA). Duke Energy invested $15,000 to fund the program.
The objective of YLA is to seek, prepare, involve and sustain young leaders from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and teach them about the numerous assets and opportunities within the Lawrence County community.
The class is comprised of five full-day sessions from June 22 - June 26. YLA is for males and females currently completing their eighth grade year in school. Class size is limited to 20.
YLA, spearheaded by Bedford Mayor Shawna Girgis, Bedford Chamber of Commerce President Jamie Medlock, Boys and Girls Club Chief Professional Officer Kyle Brown and Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Manager Bruce Calloway, is a creative week-long program designed to build young leaders in the Bedford area.
"We experienced tremendous success last year and feel privileged to offer the same program this summer," says Mayor Shawna Girgis. "Investing time and energy in our youth is absolutely critical for sustainability and growth for the City of Bedford, Lawrence County and the southern Indiana region."
The program is focused around five pillars: education, career development, health and wellness, community service, and government.
"We aim to develop talent," says Chamber President Jamie Medlock. "We want to inspire kids and challenge them to think bigger."
YLA is seeking at least one male or female from every middle school in the county.
"The summer before high school is a key development time for teenagers," says Kyle Brown, of the Boys And Girls Club. "Programs like YLA equip students with tools they need to be successful in high school and in their careers."
"The YLA is about investing in today's youth and providing a pathway to leadership through exposure to the good being done in our community by organizations and our leaders of today," says Bruce Calloway, of Duke Energy. "Duke Energy is honored to play a role in that development."
Applications are due Friday, June 12th. Applications must be submitted to the Bedford Chamber, c/o Jamie Medlock, 1116 16th Street, Bedford, IN 47421. Email submissions will also be accepted to jamie@bedfordchamber.com.
For an application, nomination form, or additional information, please contact Jamie Medlock at jamie@bedfordchamber.com, or (812) 275-4493.
ABOUT THE DUKE ENERGY FOUNDATION:
The Duke Energy Foundation makes charitable investments on behalf of Duke Energy, the largest electric power holding company in the United States with 7.2 million customers in six states. Over the foundation's long history in local communities, it has identified focus areas that maximize the foundation's dollars and guide the foundation's giving. The foundation makes grants supporting the environment, economic development, education and community vitality. In Indiana during 2014, the Duke Energy Foundation will invest approximately $2 million statewide in not-for-profit organizations. To learn more about Duke Energy Foundation, visit www.duke-energy.com/community.
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