The HopeWorks Youth Leadership Project is a service-learning program dedicated to empowering teens to challenge systems of oppression and prevent relationship violence in their community. 

This project creates a space for students to grow in understanding themselves and the world. Facilitating self-care and social justice projects, youth leaders engage in frank discussions, raise their social consciousness and participate in creative projects and activism.

Youth Leadership is open to teens of all genders, ages 13-18. The project provides an affirming and safe space for all students.

HopeWorks’ Youth Leadership Project explores many topics related to violence prevention including healthy relationships, media literacy and the safe use of technology, social constructions of femininity, healthy masculinity, self-management and self-care, environmental justice, body policing, bystander intervention, healthy sexuality, cultural relativity, bullying, gender dynamics, and understanding intersectionality and root causes of oppression. All Youth Leaders serve as outreach specialists, educating their peers and encouraging personal and community safety.

The application deadline for YLP’s 2026-2027 Cohort is
September 29th, 2026.

Qualifications

• Must be between 8th grade and 12th grade with the written consent of a parent/guardian to participate
• Must work well with others and have a willingness to collaborate with peers
• Must be curious about prevention and have a desire to promote change

Requirements

• Mandatory monthly meeting attendance, as well as attendance of relevant trainings throughout the 2026-2027 school year (September 2026-May 2027)
• Participation in service projects
• Attend and assist with at least two agency awareness events throughout the 2026-2027 school year