Youth Leadership Program Now Accepting Applications for Class of 2027
PITTSFIELD — Do you know a Berkshire high school sophomore ready for a one-of-a-kind experience that will introduce them to career pathways in the region; grow their network to include students, business leaders, and community members from across the Berkshires; and help develop their leadership skills? 1Berkshire’s Berkshire Youth Leadership Program is now accepting applications.
The 1Berkshire Youth Leadership Program, open to all current sophomores in the Berkshires, selects a cohort of up to 30 motivated students from all backgrounds for this 10-month experience that will allow them to explore the regional economy and develop their leadership skills. Once selected, students will begin the program with a three-day, three-night retreat in June near the end of their sophomore year. At the retreat, students will meet for the first time, begin to build connections, and learn about their individual leadership styles.
Over the following 10 months, students will reconvene for eight full-day sessions, held at various locations across the Berkshires (or virtually, in the case of severe weather conditions). During these sessions, students will meet with business leaders and dynamic community members to learn about a sector of the regional economy, including but not limited to advanced manufacturing, food and agriculture, healthcare and wellness, outdoor recreation, the creative economy, and hospitality and tourism. Students will develop leadership traits through activities within the sessions, and as a class, they will develop and execute a collective impact project that will enhance life in the Berkshires.
“The Youth Leadership Program provides an amazing opportunity for students to grow as individuals and as members of a community spanning the Berkshires,” said Kevin Pink, deputy director of Economic Development at 1Berkshire and program coordinator of the Youth Leadership Program. “The sessions allow students to explore key segments of our regional economy, gaining a deep understanding of career opportunities available to them in the Berkshires and working together on a project that makes a positive impact in the place they call home.”
This program is made possible through the ongoing financial support of Berkshire Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Camp Becket Chimney Corners, NBT Bank, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, and others. The 1Berkshire Youth Leadership Program is coordinated by 1Berkshire with the support of the volunteer Youth Leadership Program steering committee, composed of professionals from across the region who commit their time and expertise to develop and facilitate the entire program.
Until the Feb. 13 deadline, sophomores from any school in the Berkshires, and equivalent-aged home-schooled students, may submit an application for the program by clicking here. Email economicdev@1berkshire.com with any questions.