Youth Leadership Program Sessions Overview
The Leadership Tioga County Youth Leadership Program began in the fall of 2000. It aims to introduce students to community needs and resources, to help them develop leadership skills and to give them the opportunity to interact with one another and with community and business leaders throughout Tioga County. Each class consists of thirty (30) high school juniors selected from the three School Districts in Tioga County: Northern Tioga School District, Southern Tioga School District and Wellsboro Area School District. The Program runs for a nine-month duration, with one Session taking place per month.

Orientation & Team Building
During Orientation, youths are guided through team building and ropes course exercises at the Tioga County Department of Human Services (TCDHS) by trained employees. The purpose of these activities is to introduce participants to each other and the coordinators of the Youth Leadership Program. By the conclusion of Orientation, participants develop a sense of cohesiveness, along with new skills relating to teamwork, decision making and problem solving. Participants also receive an overview of the Leadership Tioga County Youth Leadership Program, which includes setting Program expectations.

Living in a Diverse Community
Living in a Diverse Community utilizes individual and group activities to help students heighten awareness of the diverse communities to which they belong, ranging from Tioga County, Pennsylvania to the entire United States. Participants also gain skills that are related to positive interaction between diverse groups. They learn to identify primary and secondary dimensions of diversity and to examine its impact on their lives. They are encouraged to clarify personal values related to diversity and to explore the diverse communities found in our county, state and country. The Session also includes discussions led by the coordinators and a panel presentation.

Understanding Business & Economics
The participants are introduced to the operations and environment of industry in Tioga County. This Session aims to provide an understanding and awareness of Tioga County’s economy, instill good work ethics and demonstrate ways in which to prepare for available career opportunities. The Plant Manager and his or her Team members explain the types of skills and characteristics they look for when hiring and discuss how leadership skills relate to their own jobs. A Panel Discussion with representatives from various companies around the county focuses on the idea of “Why I Work & Live in Tioga County.” The youth are exposed to a variety of employment opportunities in our county.

Healthy Communities
Healthy Communities provides students with information about the health and social services available in Tioga County. Various employees of the Tioga County Department of Human Services (TCDHS) and the Laurel Health System volunteer their time and expertise as presenters and tour guides. Participants are exposed to a variety of career opportunities and available services through a lecture, on-site visitation and interactive, small group activities.

Teens & the Law
As a method of learning about the different segments of the Criminal Justice System, students are given the opportunity to participate in a mock trial. The students step in and become defendants, witnesses, police officers, bailiffs, attorneys and jury members. Many guests, such as the President Judge, court personnel and local attorneys, assist with the operation of the mock trial. The participants also tour various courthouse offices and the Tioga County Prison.

Communication, Arts & Entertainment
Communication, Arts & Entertainment introduces the students to multiple forms of communication, appreciation of fine art, local entertainment and formal dining etiquette. The youth must attend a cultural or arts event occurring in Tioga County prior to the Session. The participants often choose to attend performances put on by neighboring schools or community theater, supporting their peers and acknowledging the talent of local performers. The students also have the opportunity to participate in a live radio show while the announcer explains the intricacies of hosting this type of broadcast. They discover the many cultural and civic events available in our county for them to enjoy, along with how to appreciate local art through the perspective of the Artist and experience formal dining in a semi-formal setting.

Local, State & Federal Government
To learn about government at all levels, students are required to attend one elected officials meeting prior to the Session. During the Session, the students have another opportunity to attend the Tioga County Commissioners monthly meeting. Our local, state and federal officials provide presentations to show the synergy between all levels of government. The Session aims to help the students develop an understanding of the difference between municipal, county, state and federal government issues, a comprehension of how local government is organized and a degree of knowledge about government sources of income and expenditures. Students receive tours of the County Row Offices at the Courthouse.

Quality of Life
Quality of Life is an important concept that involves listening with respect, prioritizing goals, understanding what is important in one’s life, appreciating our local natural beauty, becoming familiar with local conservation efforts and understanding one’s responsibility in maintaining the quality of life in Tioga County. The participants learn to resolve conflict and make decisions through Consensus Circles.
Session 7: Syllabus

Graduation
Graduation from the Leadership Tioga County Youth Leadership Program is achieved by attending all nine of the Sessions including Graduation and fully participating in the entire Program. The Graduation ceremony is planned and presented by the students. The participants are recognized and presented with a certificate of completion. All programs, speeches, and activities are determined by the class.