Each summer Pasadena Educational Foundation’s Youth Leader Program offers high school students the unique opportunity to mentor younger students as classroom aides. This experience helps them develop crucial soft skills while making a positive impact. Throughout the program, Youth Leaders actively support teachers and engage with younger students in various educational activities, gaining valuable experience in leadership, communication, and adaptability.
A key part of the program is reflecting on their personal experience. Youth Leaders complete weekly reflections that help them recognize the growth that results from their volunteer service.
One of this summer’s youth leaders described the challenges of working with diverse learners, saying, “To me the hardest thing about helping students is understanding that each student’s talents are different and I can’t expect the same out of all my kids.” This insight demonstrates how the program encourages empathy and teaches youth leaders to appreciate individual differences.
Another participant expressed gratitude for the connections made during the program, sharing, “This is my last week serving as a youth leader, and I have to sadly say bye to all my kids. The teacher brought popsicles and everyone said goodbye to me. It was so sweet and lots of the kids said they would miss me and want me to come back.”
The program also provides opportunities for youth leaders to develop problem-solving skills and creativity. One participant shared, “Things change in class depending on the period, students and supplies, but adapting to the different things going on around me was important. Often times I would be helping one student and another needed help as well, so learning how to listen and help multiple students has been an important lesson I learned. I had to go with the flow and multitask!” Yet another student described how mentoring younger children was not only fulfilling, but fun. “The kids make me laugh so much! They always have something funny to say, which makes every day enjoyable.” Such moments teach our Youth Leaders the importance of humor and engagement in building relationships.
Our Youth Leader Program offers a transformative journey that equips high school students with essential life skills. As one participant summed up their experience, “I am very grateful I am able to be a part of this program and make such good connections with new people.”
We look forward to more growth and inspiring learning experiences with our Youth Leaders in Summer 2025!
