L.E.A.D. stands for Leadership, Enrichment, Acceptance and Development. The program, which focuses on building the total person, incorporates both the YMCA's and Yerwood Center's missions to provide programming that builds a healthy mind, body, and spirit. The L.E.A.D. program engages in activities that develop young adult's self-esteem, sense of civic responsibility, physical and mental capacities, and motivation. The activities range from weekly meetings and volunteer hours, tutorial services, community service projects, P.S.A.T. and S.A.T. preparatory classes, academic monitoring, recreational activities and family support. This in turn builds student leadership skills, enriches the individual's mind, teaches acceptance of others and develops the total individual.
The L.E.A.D. program is for young adults grades 5-12. The students are selected based on an application process. Selections are based on need and potential. Parents are required to attend an OPEN HOUSE or an individual meeting with the program director. Parent(s) are required to be part of the application and program process, because regular attendance and participation are necessary if the student is to be successful in the program.
The cost for the program is a $250 annual registration fee. Occasionally, nominal fees for certain recreational activities will be necessary.
Certifications are awarded to participants who successfully complete a program year with a satisfactory evaluation.
Members are required to do the following in order to maintain an active membership in the program:
Attend weekly group meetings
Submit a copy of their report card at the end of every marking period and mid-quarter progress report.
Maintain a C+ and better in all core courses (Math, Science, English, Social Studies and Foreign Language).
Participate in Fund Raising Activities
Complete two hours of weekly volunteer services
Participate in community service projects.