Youth Leadership Pasco Program

The Youth Leadership Pasco program will be held from October 2025 to March 2026. Online applications will be announced and online after the Fall 2025 school year begins.

Student applicants must complete their application form online to be considered for the program, and must be a Junior or Sophomore.

Program Goals & Objectives

Youth Leadership Pasco was founded by the Leadership Pasco Class of 1998 and graduated its first class of youth in 2000. Our successful record for offering an issues-oriented team learning environment for high school students and a commitment to offer a program that encourages a free exchange of ideas has built student enthusiasm for participating in our program.

• Identify youth who have leadership potential.
  
• Develop leadership skills in youth.
  
• Foster an awareness of community resources and volunteer opportunities.
  
• Promote participation in community service.
  
• Establish a life-long commitment to the role and responsibility of community citizenship.
  
• Promote a greater understanding of contemporary issues through interaction and problem solving with peers and community leaders.
  
• Students in the program have found improved achievement in high school and beyond.
  
• Develop pride in the communities in which they live, which will strengthen a life-long bond in Pasco County and Florida.
  
• Maximum class size is usually thirty-five students.
  
  

Youth sessions and tours are held at various locations throughout Pasco County. Each Youth session is planned and coordinated by a team of Leadership Pasco alumni members and liaisons from The District of Pasco County Schools. All activities of Youth Leadership Pasco are conducted by volunteer members.

Mission Statement

Youth Leadership Pasco is a leadership development program that informs, motivates, and increases the awareness of selected high school aged students through issue-oriented seminars and interaction with community leaders.

Attendance and Travel Requirements

• Class meets about once a month from October through March.
• Sessions are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. but may vary.
• To successfully complete the Youth Leadership Pasco program, a participant MUST attend the Orientation and Opening Session and miss no more than (one) of the remaining (four) days. Absences from any part of a session is discouraged. Early release will only be allowed a maximum of two (2) times after receipt of an email from a parent to Barbara De Simone.

YLP High School Student Selection Criteria

• Completed applications for Class of 2026 must be received by TBA.
• Student must possess an excellent school attendance record.
• Students are invited from all of Pasco County public high schools, private schools, or they may be home schooled.
  
• Student must attend school in Pasco County Florida.
• The class is made up of Juniors and a few Sophomores.
• Students do need to provide their own transportation.
• Attendance to every class is expected.
• Students are expected to make up all missed assignments from school.
• Students will receive an SRA (School Related Absence) for time missed from school.
• Normally, Principals, Assistant Principals, Guidance Counselors, Career Specialists, community members refer students to the Chair and Co-Chair.
• Have full support of their High School Principal which they represent.
• Have a desire and willingness to participate in volunteering in the community.
• Have a commitment to play a personal role in helping to shape Pasco County’s future.
  

Tuition

The cost of the Youth Leadership Pasco Program is $35 per student.

Payment and forms are due by TBA, if the student is accepted into the program. If payment is not received, student may be asked to withdraw. Financial assistance is available; please include a letter with the application requesting the need for a fee waiver. Contact YOUTH LEADERSHIP PASCO, Barbara De Simone, Co-Chair (727) 480-2690 or Rob Aguis, Co-Chair (727) 774-1701 with any questions.