Youth leadership that can take you all the way to D.C.
Some of the most powerful prevention work happens when young people find their voice — and use it. This leadership experience helps Starke County teens build real advocacy skills, and for those who go the distance, it can lead to a trip to Washington, D.C. to stand alongside youth leaders from across the country.
Your journey, start to finish.
Train at home
It starts in Starke County — building leadership, advocacy, and prevention skills through the coalition's youth work.Earn your spot
Engaged, committed youth leaders can be selected for the national leadership experience — representing our community.Go to D.C.
Travel to Washington, D.C. for youth leadership training, connect with peers nationwide, and see advocacy up close.Come home a leader
Bring the skills, confidence, and connections back to Starke County — and lead prevention efforts right here.
What you'll actually build.
Your voice
Learn to speak up with confidence — in a room, on a stage, or in front of decision-makers who need to hear from youth.
Real leadership
Plan, organize, and lead — skills that carry into school, work, and life long after the program ends.
A wider world
Meet youth leaders from across the country, share ideas, and see that Starke County is part of something national.
Advocacy know-how
Understand how change actually happens — and how young people can be part of shaping healthier communities.
Confidence
Do something big and see yourself differently. Students often come home believing they can take on far more.
A reason to lead
Channel your energy into something that matters — making Starke County healthier for the people you care about.
It starts closer to home than you think — by getting involved in the coalition's youth prevention work. Reach out to learn how to take part and put yourself on the path.
What families want to know.
Sending your teen on a leadership trip is a big deal — and a big opportunity. Here’s the kind of thing families care about most. The coalition is glad to walk you through every detail before anything is decided.
Safety & supervision
Youth travel with coalition chaperones, with clear expectations and adult support throughout.Cost & support
The coalition works to keep the experience accessible — ask about what's covered and any support available.What they'll do
Structured leadership training and youth advocacy activities — a purposeful trip, not just sightseeing.Stay informed
Families get details on logistics, dates, and expectations well ahead of time — and can always ask questions.
How to get involved.
Get connected
The cycle opens each year with priorities, guidelines, and a deadline.
Build your skills
Eligible member agencies apply for funding tied to plan priorities.
Express interest
The Grants & Funding committee reviews applications fairly and thoroughly.
Represent us
Funds are awarded, projects run, and outcomes are reported back.
Good to know.
Does every participant go to Washington, D.C.?
Not necessarily. The leadership experience is valuable on its own, right here in Starke County. The D.C. trip is a special opportunity for selected, engaged youth leaders — think of it as where the journey can lead, not a guarantee for everyone. The skills you build at home come first.
Who is eligible?
This is geared toward Starke County teens who get involved in the coalition’s youth prevention work. Specific age ranges, grade levels, and selection details are set by the coalition — the best first step is to get connected and ask what applies right now.
How are youth selected for the trip?
Selection typically rewards commitment — the young people who show up, contribute, and demonstrate leadership in prevention work throughout the year. Reach out to the coalition to learn how the current selection process works and how to put yourself in the running.
What does it cost, and is help available?
Costs vary by trip, and the coalition works to make the experience as accessible as possible. Rather than quote a figure, we’ll share current details and any support options when you ask — cost shouldn’t be the reason a great young leader misses out.
What is the D.C. trip actually connected to?
Youth leadership trips like this are usually tied to a national youth advocacy or prevention leadership event. The coalition can tell you exactly which program its trip connects to, what the agenda looks like, and what your teen would experience there.