Thursday, July 8, 2010

CYD youth leader selected to participate in National Young Leaders Conference

	Jose Cataneda National Young Leaders Conference

Jose Castaneda has been interested in government for a long time, and will have the chance to learn from the people who work in that field through his selection to the National Young Leaders Conference, (NYLC) to be held in Washington DC in late July. NYLC offers students the opportunity to discuss current events and issues with top policy makers in Washington, D.C., analyze concepts and then put them immediately to work. This dynamic program provides high school sophomores, juniors and seniors a greater understanding of their roles in democracy and the responsibilities of leadership. As these students meet with the men and women who shape laws and policies, they gain an inside perspective on key issues. Through interaction with Cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, lobbyists, journalists and academicians, NYLC scholars receive direct experience and guidance that cannot be found in textbooks.

Castaneda, a rising senior at North Port HS, is active in his community, serving as a member of the North Port Business and Economic Development Advisory Council and as a youth leader with Community Youth Development (CYD). “I am so excited to meet other youth who are interested in government and politics, and to see Georgetown University,” said Castaneda. He plans to apply to Georgetown for admission in the fall of 2011 because of the quality of the international and political affairs programs offered.

He was nominated to NYLC by Mr Juan Esparra, a teacher at North Port HS. “I learned so much from the (CYD’s) STAR Leadership Training about empowering others to get involved,” said Castaneda. “I hope that I can continue to integrate the learning from that experience into a bigger aspect through NYLC.”


CYD is funded through grants from the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice to provide pro-social, drug-free activities for youth. Contact CYD at 922-5126 for more information.