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Youths gather at Menlo College

More than 100 sophomore from high schools throughout Northern California have been invited to participate in the annual Northern California Youth Leadership Seminar from Friday through Sunday, May 20 to 22, at Menlo College in Atherton.

The nonprofit hosts the three-day seminar for students who have demonstrated leadership potential in their high school, said spokesperson Jen Brown. The seminar focuses on critical-thinking and communication skills and community responsibility.

Each Northern California high school is invited to send one student to the seminar at no cost to the school or the student. During the weekend, the students stay at Menlo College, interact with fellow sophomores, and meet with community leaders in politics, business, media, education, high-tech, and other industries.

The public is welcomed to attend the closing ceremony at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 22, at Menlo College.

         After the seminar, the sophomores are challenged to participate in the President's Volunteer Service program by completing 100 hours of community service the following year. To date, NCYLS alumni have logged more than 10,000 hours of service throughout California, Ms. Brown said.

Alumni have started civic organizations, such as Students Against Violence, Key Clubs, Juniorettes, peer counseling groups, and Students Against Drunk Driving.

NCYLS is funded by individual donations, corporate grants and alumni and their families, with significant annual donations from local General Federation of Women's Clubs.

Visit californialeaders.org for information about the seminar, the selection process, and how to participate.