Youth Leadership Development Institute

The Youth Leadership Development Institute was established ten years ago to provide a leadership development curriculum, job shadowing and employment for teens in several South Carolina counties. The 2008-2009 program served approximately 50 students operating in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties.

The Institute is funded by the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Through the Institute, students attend a 20-hour summer job camp in North Charleston to prepare for the six-week job shadowing experience. Once they successfully complete the summer job camp, participants spend the next six weeks at a work site and receive a $600 stipend. Students also attend quarterly workshops during the year. This program targets children in foster care.