Mission

The International Youth Leadership Institute (IYLI), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1989, prepares African American and Latino secondary school students to assume active leadership roles in their community and global society.

Since its inception, IYLI has supported nearly 500 young leaders. More than 99% of these students have graduated from high school. More than 90% of graduates enrolled in higher education the year following high school completion. College completion is an expectation for every participant.  Read More…

IYLI provides broad exposure to community, national and international issues and global interdependence. Through seminars, training, mentoring and travel we cultivate informed and well-educated citizens who recognize the power of individuals and groups to promote positive social change in this country and throughout the world. IYLI uses a framework of history, culture, geography and environment to interpret local and global issues.  Read More…

Seminars on global issues are conducted on Saturdays at Teachers College, Columbia University and New York University. Seminars focus on critical issues and draw on a variety of local and national experts. Leadership workshops build communication, service learning, planning and other skills.  Read More…

Students work in a community or public agency to plan and implement a project that furthers the host organization’s mission as well as their own vision for social change.  Read More…

IYLI has conducted overseas programs in 14 Latin American and African countries. IYLI’s international study programs in Africa and Latin America support individual and collective leadership development through hands-on experiences overseas.  Read More…

The School Partnership Program curriculum enables middle school students to learn and practice critical thinking skills by examining how their family, and community are affected by and connected to broader global contexts, challenges and issues.  Read More…