Last year was my first as a team lead volunteer at the EDGE youth leadership program, which was an overwhelmingly positive experience that I am repeating again this year.

 

The program takes high school sophomores from any California school (only one nominee per school) and we spend an intense three days/nights challenging these students (and quite frankly ourselves) in developing leadership potential, communication skills, and community responsibility. The lasting impact on these students is impressive.

 

There is no charge to the student, as a way to include students of all backgrounds and situations, and funding is primarily through donations. The total cost for one student is $350, and the cost of one meal is $10. I am not a fan of fundraising and you should feel absolutely no obligation to chip in, but if you're looking for a good program designed to build future leaders in our communities, here's EDGE.