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Leadership Sumter for Youth
| Name | Terri B. Sumpter | | Situation | The State government, school districts, youth organizations and communities are currently undertaking actions to improve education for all youth. Education reform efforts are aimed at developing an educational system that will foster the development of student’s competencies, attitudes, leadership and citizenship skills. | | Response | Extension offers programs such as the Leadership Sumter for Youth, which addresses the competencies and skills desired by education reform. The Sumter Leadership for Sumter Youth is a program for high schools students (9-12th grades) that is sponsored by Clemson Extension 4-H, Sumter Chamber of Commerce, Sumter School Districts 17 & 2, and Wilson Hall Academy. Overall goals are to identify highly motivated youth with leadership capabilities; systematically inform, challenge, and educate the participants about the opportunities and needs of the community as well as the dynamics of social and economic change; develop interpersonal relationships among participants that will provide a common ground for working together in schools and the community; and identify organizational and individual opportunities for school and community involvement. The program helps youth develop leadership skills for improving citizenship practices, an appreciation for involvement in community activities, and a greater understanding of public decisions. Also, the program is designed to develop informed, committed, and qualified individuals capable of dynamic leadership among the youth of Sumter County.
The school districts, including private schools in Sumter County nominate and sponsor students for the program. The group meets the first Monday of each month at various locations throughout the county. The program covered the areas of Leadership, Environment, Career, Job Skills, Community Health, Conflict Resolution, Education, Government, Law Enforcement, Financial Planning, and the Ropes Course (team building exercises). Local businesses and schools have donated funds and in-kind gifts to support the program.
| | Impact | Three objectives for the youth involved in this program are that they gain a sense of pride in their community, enhance their leadership skills and learn the importance of good citizenship. To achieve these objectives, they met with local government officials and visited local governmental agencies and colleges. They had the opportunity to speak to a college recruiter, the City Manager, the Sheriff’s Chief Deputy and other community business representatives. Through their experiences the youth saw that their voices and opinions are respected and that by being good citizens they can help to make their community a better place for all to live. The youth involved in this program are required to complete a service learning project. This year the youth reported that they enjoyed doing the service learning projects because it allowed them to see that they can make a positive impact on their community through lending a helping hand. A former LSY participant said that she looks forward to the monthly sessions to mingle with other students from other school districts and learn about what the community has to offer. With this experience and knowledge she is able to go out in the community without fear or hesitation to seek opportunities that will enable her to gain the necessary skills that she will need for college and the workforce.
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Last update10/5/2007
This website is maintained by Tiffany Rodgers.
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