The program name "LEAP" is short for Leadership Education for Apprentices in Paterson. The Paterson YMCA LEAP program is dedicated to uphold the efforts of the YMCA to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. To accomplish this, we begin each summer with leadership training for kids from our community. We end each summer with opportunities for young adults to practice leadership.

Today's Leaders must know what it means to be a leader. One day a week, during the 8 week summer program, LEAP participants attend seminars addressing such issues as Self-Image, Employment Skills, Living With Cultural Diversity, Money Management, Anger Management, Constitutional Rights, Advocacy, and Conflict Resolution. The list goes on and on and is updated annually. The presenters are specifically selected with the young adults in mind, and are just as dedicated to building young leaders as we are. They offer real-life examples as ways to encourage participants to begin thinking like leaders.

Today's Leaders must be able to present their ideas. The Paterson YMCA LEAP program incorporates a drama workshop. The participants work with a professional actor to learn about themselves and how to address an audience. Together, they develop presentations that are performed at various times throughout the summer, including the LEAP Graduation Ceremony.

Today's Leaders must be technologically informed. Early in the summer, LEAP participants decide upon a technology project to work on together. Using the latest technology, by the end of the summer, a publishable product is the result.

Today's Leaders must be willing to serve their community. During the summer program, LEAP participants must dedicate a weekend toward a group community service project. Recent projects have included distributing food to the hungry and various cleanup projects around our community.

Today's Leaders must lead. In addition to leadership education, LEAP is an apprenticeship program. Participants are employed as Junior Counselors in either the Summer Day Camp and Preschool programs at the Paterson YMCA. Working with experienced counselors and teachers, they gain valuable on the job training as they learn to "lead" youngsters aged 2 through 12. Through the Junior Counselor responsibilities and group project responsibilities, LEAP participants can immediately apply the skills and techniques discussed in the weekly seminars and workshops.

Qualifying Youth:

To be a participant of the Paterson YMCA LEAP program you must:

• Be age 15 to 18 at the start of the summer of participation
• Reside in or attend school in Paterson, NJ
• Applications are available in Paterson High Schools during the months of April and May

For more information:

If you are interested in becoming either a participant or presenter, please contact Michael Moro at (973) 684-2320, ext. 48.