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  • Chicago
  • Twin Cities
  • Greater New York
  • North Texas
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  • Mentoring/Tutoring
  • School Tools
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  • MOVE - Youth Pages
  • Youth Empowerment Program
  • U.S. Mission Trips
  • Targeting Hope
  • Disaster Response
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  • By U.S. Location
  • Where Most Needed
  • Disaster in the U.S.
  • Feed U.S. Families
  • Youth Empowerment Program
  • Training/Capacity Building
  • Rural Development
  • Distribution Centers
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Youth Empowerment Program

What is the Youth Empowerment Program?

The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) is World Vision's signature program in the U.S. Through YEP, World Vision mentors, trains, and encourages young people to lead positive change in their communities. Teens develop skills in leadership, civic engagement, critical thinking, team building, and other vital areas.

They learn to be confident leaders and to make a difference in civic life and their own lives. They become advocates for their communities, addressing issues that affect them and their neighborhoods.

"Just because I'm a kid doesn't mean that my opinion doesn't matter," said Nikki, a YEP participant. "It matters."

 

The Learning Opportunity

YEP targets vulnerable youth who possess leadership potential but lack opportunities to develop it in a positive way. Youth ages 14 to 18 learn to identify local issues and problems in their communities, and to research and propose solutions.

Participants are recruited through, and recommended by, World Vision partners, including churches, schools, and other community organizations. Selected youth participate in an intensive, 20-week leadership curriculum. Young people learn about developing policy, lawmaking, and engaging the federal government through advocacy. Participants also identify an issue of importance to them and their peers, do research and develop a detailed policy recommendation to present to their congressional leaders.

The training culminates in the Youth Empowerment Summit every July in Washington, D.C. Youth delegates from across the country gather in the nation's capital and receive additional training. They meet with their congressional representatives and staff to raise the issues they have researched, and to present recommendations to address those challenges.

"Youth are longing to be of use and to feel valuable," said Lauren, a program participant. "We have a voice that is worth hearing. Youth want to learn, but they will only learn from people who value and respect them. Programs like YEP offer opportunities for these types of relationships."