Licking County has long been a leader in youth-led prevention. Since 1986, Licking County youth have had the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, improve their decision making abilities and solidify their commitment to maintaining a violence and substance free lifestyle. Programs like Youth to Youth, PRIDE, PAVE, and stand have helped thousands of Licking County’s young people impact change in the community.

Since 2011, the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) has held that mantle and completed more than 25,000 hours of service to Ohio. YLC members receive specialized training in programs including the Start with Hello, Say Something, Signs of Suicide (S.O.S.), and the prescription drug abuse prevention program, pHARMING Effects. In addition to trainings, YLC members complete change projects designed to impact their schools, neighborhoods and the community.

Each spring, we recruit new high school students for the next cycle (year) of the Council. Generally in early February, applications are sent to school districts, youth programs and posted online. Graduating seniors are challenged with encouraging underclassmen from their schools to apply and the A-Team begins a multi-building tour to entice interest.

If you know of a 9th, 10th or 11th grade student in Licking County who would be interested, please encourage them to apply.

Ideal Council Members Will:

  • Be a current 9th, 10th or 11th grade student in Licking County.
  • Commit to living and promoting a violence and drug free lifestyle and
  • Have the time to commit a year of service designed to help make a difference in the community.

Once a student has submitted his/her application (along with the one-page letter of intent and three reference letters) they will be contacted to participate in a 15 minute interview. Interviews are held at Pathways of Central Ohio (1627 Bryn Mawr Dr., Newark) and are conducted by a selection panel including members of the staff of the Center for Prevention Services and graduating YLC members. Applicants are encouraged to come to the interview prepared to talk about their leadership history, concerns facing Licking County and ideas on how to address those concerns. After all interviews are conducted, the selection panel will make the final decision (we call it “D Day”) and all applicants will be notified of their acceptance onto the Youth Leadership Council of Licking County.

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