Banning-Beaumont|Local Event
The Hamilton Essentials Foundation, Inc. Announces 2026 Youth Leadership Board Open Enrollment
Event Details
Creative Youth Programming for a Better Community!
The Hamilton Essentials Foundation, Inc. Announces 2026 Youth Leadership Board Open Enrollment
Banning, CA — The Hamilton Essentials Foundation, Inc. is proud to announce open enrollment for its 2026 Youth Leadership Board (YLB)—a dynamic, youth-driven leadership cohort designed to elevate young voices, expand creative mental health supports, and strengthen community engagement across local, national, and global spaces.
At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to creative youth programming for a better community. The Foundation’s mission and vision center on empowering transitional-aged youth through mental wellness, the arts, leadership development, and STEAM-based learning opportunities delivered in community centers, faith-based spaces, and academic institutions.
Why a Youth Leadership Board?
The Hamilton Essentials Foundation believes it is always the right time to give youth a real seat at the table. When adults make decisions about young people’s futures, youth must be included—not as followers, but as co-leaders.
Joining the Youth Leadership Board provides young people with:
- A platform to advocate for issues they care about
- Real opportunities to influence community impact
- Leadership experiences rooted in creativity, culture, and service
- A shared-mentorship model where youth lead and adults follow
“There is something powerful that happens when youth lead and adults follow,” says the team at The Hamilton Essentials Foundation. “Youth have something important to say—and their agenda matters now.”
Youth Leadership Board Mission, Vision & Objectives
Youth Leadership Board Mission
Our mission is their mission. The YLB collaborates with youth to establish a shared framework that informs community programming and addresses issues young people are passionate about.
Youth Leadership Board Vision
To offer space, opportunity, and a shared-mentorship model that supports youth leaders—movers and shakers with the fire and passion to make global change.
Program Objectives
While the Board avoids political partisanship, participants experience leadership training through:
- Democracy Basics
- Leadership Development
- Community Action & Advocacy
Core Components of the YLB Model
Youth Board Members are encouraged and trained to lead portions—or all—of a session based on their interests. Their work supports:
- Building cultural frameworks
- Developing community service projects
- Designing programs that reflect youth perspectives
Youth Leadership Board Logistics & Eligibility
The YLB is open to youth ages 8–18, with membership available to 11 youth worldwide.
Meeting Schedule
Meetings are held every 4th Sunday, 3–5 PM PST, online.
Membership Term & Recognition
The commitment runs January–October 2026.
Participants earn a Recognition Certificate and a Leadership Lapel Pin upon completion.
Youth Leadership Board Roles & Qualifications
- Take on impactful leadership roles
- Provide input on youth-programming decisions
- Serve as ambassadors for their communities
- Design innovative, youth-centered programs
- Help identify solutions to community challenges
No prior leadership experience required. Training provided.
Youth Leadership Board Membership Process
Application Window
Open Enrollment: October 27–December 28, 2025
Steps to Apply
- Parent/Guardian completes the 2025–2026 Participation Registration Form (for youth under 18)
- Youth completes the 2026 Youth Leadership Board Reference Questionnaire
- Advisors review applications
- Notifications sent to youth and parents by January 1, 2026
About The Hamilton Essentials Foundation, Inc.
The Hamilton Essentials Foundation supports creative mental health, artistic expression, leadership development, and STEAM training for transitional-aged youth. Through culturally responsive and innovative programming, the Foundation empowers youth to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.