Press release from the N.C. Community Department Initiative :
Two dozen high school students will work for community economic development organizations around the state this summer thanks to the N.C. Community Development Initiative’s 2013 Summer Youth Leadership Program.
The program kicked off its sixth year June 18-19 with a two-day orientation in Raleigh for the 24 youth leaders from 17 N.C. counties who were selected to participate.
“This is a highly competitive program, and we’ve selected a group of young people who are ready to learn and make a difference in the world,” said Initiative program associate Kimberly Askew, who directs the youth program. “The program provides them with knowledge and experience that will help them be successful in their future careers and leadership opportunities.”
The intensive eight-week program places high school students in internships with high-performing organizations in their communities to complete a project in community economic development and learn workplace and leadership skills.
Interns come together four times during the eight weeks for Initiative-hosted seminars and workshops on communication and service leadership topics. These seminars provide them with opportunities to meet and learn from each other, as well as from successful community leaders and entrepreneurs.
The youth program is part of the Initiative’s long-term strategy to develop state leaders who understand the unique needs of low-income communities and can help strengthen their economies.
Representing Buncombe County is Brittany Edgerton, who will work with HandMade in America.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.