more for girls does not mean less for boys.

yw-teens program

Developing tomorrow's leaders is a primary goal of YWCA Metro St. Louis. Studies have shown that there is a significant gap in services available for after-school engagement and youth development in the St. Louis area. YW-Teens supports girls, ages 11 to 18, on their journey to adulthood by helping them to recognize and develop leadership skills, self awareness and positive decision-making habits.  In 2008, our teen leadership programs positively impacted more than 1,700 young women throughout the St. Louis region.

vision
YW-Teens encourages girls to realize their untapped potential and supports meaningful community engagement, leading to individualized and systemic change.

mission
YW-Teens, a body of dynamic girls and women, cultivates change agents through opportunities that promote youth voice; building on the YWCA’s vision and legacy, working towards a just and equitable society.

youth leadership academy
The Youth Leadership Academy consists of programs that support girls, ages 11-18, through their journey to adulthood by helping them to identify, develop and apply leadership skills through a series of curriculum-based youth development initiatives.           

girls circle is a national model that operates as a support group for girls 11-18 years of age. It nurtures positive self-esteem, fosters authentic connections with peers and adult women in the community, counters self-doubt, and allows for genuine self-expression through verbal sharing and creative activities.  The YWCA is pleased to be the first organization in the St. Louis area to offer this dynamic gender-specific program.  To participate, girls need only have the desire, make a commitment to attend the meetings and agree to follow the circle guidelines: respect for others, no put-downs or interruptions, offer experiences - not advice, keep the focus on oneself, and keep what’s said in the group private.         

project  g.l.a.s.s. (Girls Learning About Self-Esteem & Sisterhood) is a pilot expansion project of the Youth Leadership Academy.  Project G.L.A.S.S. is designed to increase participants’ self-esteem, life skills and literacy skills by exposing young women to literature that is both educational and empowering, yet engaging.

Participants will receive a copy of the book selected and will discuss concepts, journal their thoughts and feelings, as well as participate in interactive activities to reinforce concepts. 

fall 2009 reading list   

Don’t Give It Away! A Workbook of Self-Awareness and Self-Affirmation for Young Women by Iyanla Vanzant

Exactly As I Am by Shaun Robinson

Letters to a Young Sister – DeFINE Your Destiny by Hill Harper

Voices from the Village: A Young Women’s Guide Toward Discovering Her   Values, Sexuality and Self-Worth by Carla Jeanee Bradley

 
emerging entrepreneurs program

Emerging Entrepreneurs is a year-round economic empowerment program that exposes area high school students to entrepreneurship through the development of educational and experiential activities.  Activities included in the Emerging Entrepreneurs Program are as follows:

youth entrepreneur day offers potential entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop business and soft skills such as effective communication, team building, public speaking and decision making through a combination of interactive workshops, dynamic speakers and an “elevator pitch” competition.

mobile entrepreneurship academy is a 4-week course held on-site at participating high schools and teaches students how to own and operate their own businesses as well as complete a business plan.

young entrepreneurs showcase brings together aspiring young entrepreneurs to network, get advice from successful business people and manage all aspects of business ownership via interactive workshops and information exchange booths.  Participants also have an opportunity to display their business concepts at “Creative Concept Booths” during the event. The event culminates with a Business Concept Competition & Awards Ceremony. 

all-girls summer entrepreneurship academy according to a recent survey of young people, one-quarter of the respondents were more inclined to want to start a business than pursue other career opportunities. Acting on youth interest in entrepreneurship, the YW-Teens program is introducing the Summer Entrepreneurship Academy, an intensive week-long program for high school girls that will teach basic principles for creating and running a business. At the end of the academy, students will have created an actual business plan.

The academy is presented in partnership with the National Institute for Youth Entrepreneurship and utilizes trained staff and curriculum from the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship organization.

conferences, workshops and speakers                                                                     

high school conference

young women’s leadership conference these all-girl conferences offer interactive workshops, dynamic speakers and community resources that aid in the growth and development of middle and high school students. Conference highlights include a community resource fair and the recognition of young leaders for their outstanding accomplishments in academics, leadership and community involvement. Young Women's Leadership Conferences
are held in May for middle-school girls and in November for high-school girls.   

photos

girls registration form

young leader award nomination form

resource fair exhibitor form

presenter application

workshops are provided to schools and community groups throughout the year that address YWCA’s core mission areas of women’s empowerment, financial and entrepreneurial literacy and racial justice.

speakers can be requested from the YW-Teens Program for special programs and events at schools, churches and community organizations.   

 To learn more about yw-teens, please call (314) 531-1115 or ywteens@ywcastlouis.org

yw-teens is developing the leaders of tomorrow!