Youth Empowerment Programs Promote Overall Wellness
Youth empowerment programs foster positive personal traits and meaningful community relationships. Research suggests that young people who engage in these types of programs and activities develop higher self-esteem and become more resilient and confident, all of which support mental wellness.
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF LOCAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS:
FUTURE BOSS
Future Boss offers San Diego County high school seniors the opportunity to develop successful leadership skills during a week-long training and student competition organized by the California Foundation Fund.
YMCA YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT/YMCA OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
The Youth and Government program allows youth to role-play leadership positions within the California State Legislature and state court system.
DIRECTING CHANGE PROGRAM AND FILM CONTEST
Open to high school students and youth up to age 25, this program encourages young people to create 60-second films about suicide prevention and mental health and use their films to raise awareness of these important issues.
Mira Mesa High School students won third place for their film Lost and Found and were recognized at NAMI San Diego’s Directing Change film screening in April 2015.
