Who
The Youth Leadership Exchange runs and manages three different leadership development programs for high school students in the OKC metro area. Some part of your school district must be located in Oklahoma County.
Our Leadership Skills and Youth in Action programs are open to current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who will attend a metro high school in the 2025-2026 school year.
Youth Council of Oklahoma City is open to current sophomores and juniors who live within a Ward of Oklahoma City. If you are not sure, check to see where your water bill comes from. If it is OKC, you qualify. You can also go to https://www.okc.gov/residents/ward-map and enter your address on the Ward Map.
Each applicant must have at least two recommendation letters, principal approval, and complete a 15-minute interview in May.
What
Each program is designed to help you grown as a community member and allow you to learn more about career opportunities in a variety of fields.
Leadership Skills is modeled after Leadership Oklahoma City’s signature adult program and is organized to teach leadership and communication skills, civic structure, career options, community service and diversity appreciation…information for now, talents for the future. You will hear from important community leaders, tour interesting places and learn about leadership from some of the most knowledgeable people in Oklahoma City.
Youth in Action teaches the skills to help you make a difference in your community: meeting management, group dynamics and fundraising. Abilities you can use wherever you go…and whatever issue you encounter when you get there. You will work as a team to write a mission statement, collect grant applications, narrow the organizations and select one to raise on their behalf. Last year’s YIA class raised $14,607 for Youth Family Services of Oklahoma. Over the course of the program, students have raised $325,000 for 30 different nonprofits in the metro area.
The Youth Council of Oklahoma City is a program funded by the mayor and City Council of Oklahoma City and jointly administered through the City and Leadership Oklahoma City/Youth Leadership Exchange. Here, you’ll see firsthand the many facets of your local government in action and learn to appreciate how much each contributes to our quality of life. And you’ll be part of our political process by giving youth a voice in local government issues. In short, you’ll have a backstage pass to Oklahoma City.
*You can only participate in one YLX class (Youth in Action or Leadership Skills) but may apply for the Youth Council another year. Youth Council applicants must live in OKC city limits.
When
Each class meets once a month during the school day. We work with your school on attendance issues if needed.
You must attend class each month. Students who miss more than two classes will be removed from the program. A mandatory Opening Retreat for Youth Council will be held in August . The Leadership Skills and Youth in Action mandatory Opening Retreats are in September. The yearly calendar is available here.