Youth Leadership Academy builds confidence, skills, and community connections

By Editor | April 21, 2026 |

University of Illinois Extension successfully concluded its 2025–2026 Youth Leadership Academy (YLA), a multi-session leadership development program designed to prepare high school youth for future leadership roles in their schools, careers, and communities.
Students who participated in the academy describe the experience as confidence-building and transformative. “YLA helped me grow my confidence, meet new people, and think about how I want to lead,” shared one Youth Leadership Academy participant.
From October through March, students participated in immersive sessions focused on self-discovery, professional skill development, service learning, and civic engagement. Throughout the academy, participants demonstrated growth in communication, teamwork, and self-awareness as they explored what leadership looks like in their own lives.
The academy began in October with an emphasis on leadership foundations, communication styles, and teamwork. Participants completed the Colors Personality Assessment and took part in team-building activities designed to build trust and collaboration. One student reflected, “YLA is a great experience where you meet new people and learn about yourself.”
In November, students developed professional and career-readiness skills through activities such as receiving professional headshots, participating in a “Board of Directors” exercise, and exploring career pathways. An etiquette lunch helped students practice professional dining skills, followed by a guest speaker who shared real-world leadership experience.
Students put leadership into action in January by selecting and completing a community service project. This session emphasized teamwork, responsibility, and the importance of giving back to the community. Participants also reflected on how service connects to leadership. “I will remember the things we did in this program and carry the skills I learned with me for the rest of my life,” shared one participant.
The February session focused on strengths, civic engagement, and planning for the future. Students revisited their strengths through a StrengthsFinder workshop, discussed preparing for senior year and beyond, and heard from both Youth Leadership Academy alumni and local legislators. The discussions helped participants better understand leadership at the community and state level. As one student shared, “I came here to learn about leadership, and I’m leaving ready to make an impact.”
The academy concluded in March with a final session hosted at DOT Foods, where students explored careers, adaptability in the workplace, and reflected on their personal growth throughout the year.
“The youth who participated in this year’s academy were incredible to work with,” said Kristin Huls, Illinois Extension Youth Development Educator. “They showed openness, maturity, and a willingness to grow. Their reflections made it clear that this program helped them better understand themselves and the leaders they want to become.”
The Youth Leadership Academy is offered through University of Illinois Extension as part of its commitment to developing future-ready youth who are engaged, self-aware, and connected to their communities.
For more information about youth leadership programs offered through Illinois Extension, visit extension.illinois.edu or contact Kristin Huls at [email protected].
About Extension: University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state’s land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.