NYLT Photo Gallery

By bconnell, February 15, 2012

Photos from recent years at National Youth Leadership Training

Even years later, we often hear alumni say: “NYLT was the best experience of my life.”
Morning activities gets everyone awake and ready for the day, whether running…
...or trying yoga!
The journey begins with an Immersion experience, creating a safe space in which to be challenged, take risks, and grow throughout the rest of the week.
NYLT participants grow close by sharing their personal experiences and stories.
Many activities are designed to increase teamwork and build awareness of self.
Participants explore their personal leadership identity, while also learning how they impact people, situations, and communities.
Of course we also have fun,
...and sometimes having fun means getting wet.
Sometimes it means getting dirty.
Students develop their leadership capacity through hands-on activities and simulations.
Active discussions strengthen relationships and individual understanding.
Activities continue rain…
...or shine!
NYLT participants discover what meaningful education means to them.
Individual reflection allows participants the time to internalize how new knowledge and awareness fits into their lives back home.
After a week of intense activity and meaningful conversation, NYLT participants have a strong system of support and have built lasting friendships.
Adult mentors join their teams of youth for the last three days of NYLT. They play an integral roll in helping to take the experience back home and to continue throughout the year.
Together, the youth and mentor teams create action plans to address educational inequity issues in their home communities.
The week culminates in a community banquet to celebrate all that has been accomplished and all that’s yet to come.
We honor participants and staff who have been a living example of servant leadership throughout the week.
NYLT alumni join us for the closing banquet and share how the experience impacted their lives, perhaps offering words of advice on implementing the action plans.
On Saturday, we reluctantly say our goodbyes. Participants will continue to connect throughout the year, as friends and collaborators, and many will remain close, lifelong friends.