Causes: Children & Youth, Education, Secondary & High Schools, Youth Development, Youth Development - Citizenship

Mission: Our mission is to seek out outstanding young leaders and help them develop their leadership potential, as well as encouraging them to volunteer to make an impact on their community.

Results: EDGE Youth Leadership serves an average of 150 students a year. Through a survey conducted at the start and end of the seminar, students demonstrate a 20% average increase in confidence in public speaking, ability to make a difference through volunteering, interest in service, and confidence in their own leadership skills. Participants have also demonstrated that EDGE has a lasting impact on their desire to volunteer. In a long-term survey, students indicated that EDGE was the second highest influence of their motivation to volunteer.

Target demographics: All high school sophomores, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. Because we are a free seminar, in a time of budget cuts, schools can turn to us for excellent leadership development without worrying about cost.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 160 students

Geographic areas served: California

Programs: an annual leadership seminar each spring or summer that kicks off a yearlong mentoring program (Day Four) to help students discover what they are passionate about, create an action plan and effect positive change in their schools and communities.