The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is a unique program providing constructive alternatives to gangs, drugs and other serious problems facing low-income children and their families in high risk neighborhoods.

Mission:
We engage and inspire youth to maximize their potential to become successful community leaders through the access and responsible utilization of post-secondary education.

Students are selected during the 2^nd semester of 6^th grade and begin Academy activities at the start of 7^th grade. The program continues through 12^th grade and ends with two years free tuition to Elgin Community College. Approximately 20 students are selected based on their applications, recommendations, family interviews and availability of program funds.

Students participate in the Academy for approximately 2 to 4 hours per week from September through May, continuing during the summer months with camp and others activities. Cadets also participate in Elgin's July 4 parade.

YLA offices are located at 51 South Spring Street, Elgin, Illinois 60120 on the Fountain Campus of Elgin Community College. Class sessions are held on the main campus.

YLA Office Hours

• Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  847-214-6910 or 847-214-6965
• No office hours on Saturday
• Summer Schedule: Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 2:00pm

Questions about the program may be directed to dortega-ehreth@elgin.edu or wscott@elgin.edu

• Nominating a student to the academy
• Becoming a program volunteer
• Sharing your program experience/expertise with youth
• Providing transportation to families
• Use goodsearch.com as your search engine (we get a donation for your use of the site)
• Providing tours of your business for program youth trips
• Sponsoring a field trip
• Making a cash donation
• Sponsoring a specific child for the length  of the program
• Donating programs or supplies