The African American Youth Leadership Program (AAYLP) was established in 2004 to further develop the leadership potential of high school juniors and seniors throughout California.  Although AAYLP’s curriculum focuses specifically on issues relating to the African American community, the program is open to all high school juniors and seniors who are committed to learning and sharing ways of improving their community.  The conference is held in the capital city of California.  One of the most exciting aspects of this dynamic conference is that it is made available at no cost to the attendees or their families; all transportation, lodging, and food is provided.

During the week-long conference students attend workshops on leadership, business, college and career planning, physical health and wellness, political involvement, and understanding the legislative process.  Students also participate in valuable hands on activities, such as executing a political campaign, creating college and career plans, and participating in a mock presentation and debate of proposed bills held at the capitol building in the California Assembly Chambers.  The conference provides attendees the opportunity to connect directly with a range of African American professionals from entrepreneurs and celebrities to educators and legislators who are committed to making a difference in the African American community. 

The success of the AAYLP conference has been phenomenal.  Not only do students leave the conference with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as they prepare for college, but they also leave with a contagious excitement about the many possibilities that await them in their academic and professional careers.  Landon Hill, a 2005 AAYLP alumnus, is excited about how the conference has impacted his life, “I got accepted into Michigan State and I wanted to thank you because I know that being a part of the AAYLP was a big reason why I did get accepted.”  In 2006, RPIC, partnered with the J.C and Frankie Watts Foundation to make AAYLP open to students throughout the nation.  AAYLP Program Director, Casanya Ursery notes the positive impact that this expansion has had on the students, “Watching these students come together from across the country and work as a team was inspiring.  The potential in these young people is amazing.  I know that the connections that they are building with one another now, will serve as a catalyst to ignite a fire of change in the African American community, and especially our youth.”

Before being granted admission to the AAYLP conference, perspective   applicants must complete an extensive application, which includes the submission of three college-prep level essays and two letters of recommendation.  In addition, applicants must have achieved a minimum of a 2.75 grade point average and demonstrate outstanding leadership potential.

RPIC is currently gearing up for the fourth annual AAYLP conference. To ensure that students are able to take advantage of all that the conference has to offer, the 2007 conference was extended, making it a full 6 days of workshops and hands on activities.

The goal of the AAYLP conference is to provide African American youth with the training, skills, and resources necessary to excel both academically and professionally.