08/15/2000

New AU Leadership Development Program Designed for High School Students

AUBURN, Ala.—For some Alabama high school sophomores and juniors, four Auburn University football Saturdays this fall could be extremely winning and productive days.

Prior to kickoff of the Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 home games, 40 teens from across the state will have the chance to equip themselves with life-long leadership skills by participating in a new scholarly leadership development program known as YIP 2000.

YIP 2000 is one element of "PRAXIS -- Leadership in Motion," an undergraduate student leadership development program established in AU's College of Agriculture in 1999 with a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. YIP stands for Youth in PRAXIS.

Following the theme, "Learning to Serve through Leadership," YIP's specific goals are to give teens the dynamic skills they need to become effective leaders, to increase their knowledge of current issues in agriculture and science, to provide them with opportunities and an environment in which to practice influence skills and to link them with other future leaders.

"Youths looking for an uplifting experience that will invigorate them and enable them to make a difference in their lives and in society now and for years to come should apply for admission to this inaugural YIP 2000 program," said Donald Mulvaney, YIP organizer and associate professor of animal and dairy sciences at Auburn.

Interested students should submit an application that includes a one- to two-page narrative describing why they are interested in YIP. Priority for acceptance will be given to applicants who are considering enrolling in AU's College of Agriculture and to those with relatives who are AU alumni. Youths currently involved in 4-H and FFA are strongly encouraged to apply.

Enrollment is limited to the first 40 qualified applicants.

The $45 registration fee covers costs of instructional materials, supplies, snacks, certificates and commemorative YIP 2000 T-shirts.

Specific times will be announced, but sessions typically will start four hours before the home football games and will conclude one hour before kickoff.

For more information or for an application form, contact Mulvaney by phone at (334) 844-1514 or by e-mail at dmulvane@acesag.auburn.edu.

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News from:

Office of Ag Communications & Marketing

Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 Comer Hall, Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)

Contact Jamie Creamer, 334-844-2783 or jcreamer@auburn.edu

08/15/00