Youth Leadership Institute
National Presenting Sponsor: 
High school applicants (Class of 2020):
CLICK HERE for frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the Youth Leadership Institute.
Volunteer staff applicants:
CLICK HERE for frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the Youth Leadership Institute staff role opportunities.
YLI is a four-day, overnight, college empowerment conference for Latino high school juniors held at three top universities across the US. This highly selective program is designed to give young leaders the practical tools they need to successfully apply to top universities, have full access to scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and set a course for academic and career success. Attendees will enhance their leadership abilities and expand their professional networks by participating in college and career workshops, living on a college campus, and interacting with college students and professionals who serve as their mentors.
You can find a video with highlights of the YLI program at the bottom of this page
2019 YLI Dates and Locations:
June 20 - June 23, 2019 - University of Chicago
July 25 - 28, 2019 - University Southern California (USC)
Student Qualifications:
- Current High School junior (Class of 2020)
- 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent based on your school scale
- Identify as being of Hispanic Heritage
- Currently attends high school in the United States or US Territory
- Plans to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program, at a U.S. Accredited, Not-for-profit, private or public college or university after High School graduation
Application opens Monday, November 26th, 2018.
The deadline to apply is Friday, January 25th, 2019 at 1.pm. PST.
How to Apply:
- Create a MyHSF Profile as a “Student”
- View “YLI Student Application 2019” Application on your Dashboard
YLI Volunteer Staff Opportunities
Join HSF this summer at the Youth Leadership Institute as a staff member!
Application opens Monday, December 17th, 2018.
The deadline to apply is Friday, February 8th, 2019 at 1.pm. PST.
Apply for one of the following Volunteer YLI Staff positions:
A-Team
Past YLI participants (current high school seniors, class of 2019) who support all logistical components of the program. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: preparing and assisting with YLI sessions; transporting, setting up, and breaking down signage and materials; and escorting students, speakers and volunteers to assigned areas. A-Team members must pass a background check and remain on campus for the entire YLI program, including orientation. Although interaction with YLI participants will be minimal, this role is crucial to a successful execution of the program. Your role as an A-team member will increase the possibility of serving as a YLI Mentor in the future.
Mentors
HSF Scholars responsible for serving as a mentor, supervising and leading their “familia” - a group of 5-6 YLI participants - throughout the course of the YLI. Mentors serve as the point-of-contact for their students in the weeks leading up to, during, and following the YLI program. Mentors are responsible for facilitating workshop transitions, leading familia nightly reflections, and assisting with YLI sessions, as needed. Mentors must be currently enrolled in a 4-year college, pass a background check, and remain on campus for the entire YLI program, including orientation.
Fellows
HSF Scholars and past YLI Mentors who serve as the head coordinators for each YLI program and as the point-of-contact for the mentors in the weeks leading up to and throughout the course of the program. The Fellows work with HSF staff to train mentors, act as liaisons between HSF staff and mentors, and facilitate sessions, as needed. Fellows are responsible for reviewing daily schedules and room assignments, leading workshop transitions, facilitating nightly debriefings with the Mentors and staff, and serving as on-site/overnight contact. Fellows must be currently enrolled in a 4-year college, pass a background check, and remain on campus for the entire YLI program, including orientation.
Please Note: These are unpaid volunteer opportunities. HSF will cover the full cost of food, room and board throughout the conference, including orientation. There are limited available funds to cover travel for staff members to and from the host university, and will be considered on a case by case basis.