REYNOLDSVILLE – Penn State Cooperative Extension of Clearfield & Jefferson counties recently graduated six individuals from the 2010 Youth Leadership Academy. This year’s graduates included Erin Adams of DuBois, Laken Delaney of DuBois, Corey Dusch of Brookville, Alex Jaramillo of DuBois, Rachel Lines of Rockton, and Fran McAninch of DuBois.
The program, now in its second year, helps local teens identify the tools needed to become strong leaders and active citizens in their community. The first session began on January 27 and the final session was help on April 21st. The group convened for a total of six, two-hour sessions. Sessions took place every other Wednesday at The Foundry in Reynoldsville. The program was provided by Jana Davidson and Susan Alexander, Extension Educators for Penn State Cooperative Extension of Clearfield & Jefferson counties.
Through participation in the program, the youth gained knowledge in the areas of problem solving, leadership development, diversity, teambuilding, and citizenship. The teens also worked on creating portfolios using the 4-H Personal Portfolio Power curriculum. Guest speakers including state Representative Matt Gabler and Jefferson County Commissioners Paul Corbin, Jim McIntyre, and Jeff Pisarcik attended sessions and provided the youth with insight on county and state government.
During the final session held on April 21, the teens toured the Jefferson County Courthouse and the Jefferson County Historical Society before receiving a certificate and special award for their participation in the program.
4-H is a non-formal youth development educational program of Penn State Cooperative Extension for all youth between the ages of 8 and 19, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, or veteran status. For additional information on the 4-H program or of to enroll in the 2011 Youth Leadership Academy, contact Jana Lynne Davidson at the Clearfield County Cooperative Extension Office at 814-765-7878 Ext. 3 or Susan Alexander at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office at 814-849-7361.