Youth Leadership Academy
Creating Leaders and Inspiring Scholars!
Why Support YLA
Donate to
YLA
At YLA, we serve Elgin community students on their journey into college and the post-college world. 100% of our cadets come from families of low income, and 93% of our cadets are people of color with about 85% 1st generation college students.
​
And above all, 100% of our cadets are living the YLA motto:
​
"I AM on the path to success.
I AM college-bound."
​
​
These are the words that our cadets thrive by as they work hard in our YLA program to become scholars and leaders in the community. During their six years in the program, each of our cadets complete a minimum of 360 leadership training hours. They exercise their leadership skills through service learning projects every year, making a positive difference in Elgin and nearby communities. And after they graduate from our program, our cadets continue to use the skills, experience, and know-how they have developed in their next endeavors, in college and beyond.
​
Help us raise the next generation of YLA scholars and leaders. If you believe that the color of a child's skin should not be a barrier to being a community leader, join us.
If you believe that the contents of one's wallet should not close the door to college education, support us.
If you believe that all children deserve the chance to reach their full potential, walk with us.
Only through your generosity can our program continue to exist and grow, and to prepare our young people for the future.
​
Show your support today, and be a YLA Hero!
#YLAHero
Donate now!
Please select a giving level:
$15: 1 hour of
mentorship
for a cadet
$100: 1 year of
supplies for a service learning project
$30: 1 hour of leadership training for a cadet
$300: 1 field trip for
25 cadets to tour a regional college or university
$50: 1 hour of professional tutoring for a cadet
General Donations
Other ways to support us
​
There are many ways that you can become a part of the YLA team:
-
Become a donor, sponsor, or partner of the YLA
-
Become a member of the YLA's staff or board
-
Volunteer
-
When you shop Amazon, use AmazonSmile. Check Youth leadership Academy as your donation organization
If you are interested in participating in any way, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
We look forward to hearing from you!
​
THANK YOU!
​
Al’s Café
Andy’s Frozen Custard
Arabica Café
Beef Villa
Blue Box Café
Café Roma
Chicago Bears
Chicago Fire Club
Chicago White Sox
Chick-fil-A
City of Elgin Parks & Recreation Dept
Edible Arrangement
Elgin Historical Society
Elgin Public House
Epic Air
Ernie Hudson
Fat Cat Custom Guitars
Friends of YLA
Golf Club of Illinois
Hemmens Cultural Center
Jimmy’s Charhouse
Key West Car Wash & Detail
Legacy Trax
Lincoln Ave Barbershop
Locs by Dom
Lucid Salon
Marcus Theatres
McAlister’s Deli
Meadows Dental Care
MOD Pizza
Q Nails
Randall’s Pancake House & Restaurant
Rediscover Records
Side Street Studio Art
Siefit
Starbucks
Tropical Smoothie Café
Vern’s Tavern
Viator Coffee
Woofbeach
https://www.letsroam.com - Scavenger Hunts by Let’s Roam
​
​
YLA is sincerely grateful to all of our donors who contributed their time, goods, and services to make this event possible. Please show your support by patronizing our donors!
Thank you so much!
Extravaganza Donors 2023
Grantors 2023
-
Judson Community College
-
Grand Victoria Foundation
-
Kiwanis of Elgin
-
Ross Stores
-
YMCA
​Sponsorships 2023
-
City Of Elgin
-
Starship Travel
-
Vern's Tavern
-
City of Elgin Human Relations Commission
-
StateFarm- David Im