Applications for 2021-2022 are open!

Visit our Application Page to learn more and apply.

Mission

The mission of Plano Youth Leadership is to provide high school sophomores with diverse experiences that inspire lifelong leadership development and community involvement.

Plano Youth Leadership develops confidence and provides the knowledge necessary to help students succeed in leadership positions. Participants gain an understanding of the local community and his or her place in it. They realize common ground despite their diverse student backgrounds and find service opportunities around the community through informative and interactive presentations.

Students are trained in leadership techniques and community awareness preparing them to make a positive impact on the quality of life in their community’s future. The program familiarizes students with current issues, community resources, opportunities, and other factors influencing the direction of their community. They meet with officials such a the Mayor and Chief of Police and work with other local education and business leaders to develop individual leadership skills.

You can support PYL with the shopping you do everyday! Choose PYL as your Amazon Smile charity and PYL will receive 0.5% of all eligible purchases! It's a win-win!

Here is another way to donate to PYL at no cost to you!

Simply log into your Kroger account.

Search for WC746 or Plano Youth Leadership, and select it as your nonprofit.

Swipe your Rewards card each time you shop at Kroger, and PYL will receive a donation.

Participants say . . .

I was a member of the Plano Youth Leadership class this year, and it has left a profound impact on my life despite it being cut short due to COVID-19. Thank you for opening my eyes to all aspects of my community, and teaching me how to be a successful leader while still being myself. Through this program, I made many friends across Plano that share my motivation to lead and be involved in my community, which is at times, hard for me to find in some people my own age. Thank you for putting so much time and effort into such an amazing experience for teenagers like me who want to do something important for the world around them, by expanding our horizons, teaching us how to lead,and to be ourselves in leadership positions. I have become so much more confident in my ability to lead people, whether it’s a project at school, an organization I am a part of, or even among my friends. This program made me see the opportunities that lie in front of me, and that I can seize them if I work hard and apply the numerous skills I learned this year.Thank you so much for this astounding opportunity,Emma Coleman

Congratulations PYL Class 25!