"A Chance to Serve" (ACTS) is a community youth leadership program that places youth on local boards and committees after participating in a series of five day-long leadership training sessions. Purdue Extension Jay County partners with local community leaders to provide an opportunity for the youth to participate and be active members on boards and committees. ACTS was developed in response to concerns from youth in Jay County. Only 20 youth from Jay County High School in grades 9-11 will be eligible to participate in sessions covering leadership topics such as communication and consensus building. At the end of the program participants are selected to serve on a board in their community for one year to utilize the leadership skills they have acquired throughout ACTS.

The sessions will be hands-on and interactive. Topics to be covered include communication, public speaking, and listening skills; youth and adult perspectives and stereotypes; gifts, talents, and personality surveys; trusteeship, community visioning and philanthropy; board and group process, consensus building, and government, and a field trip.

How can I get Involved in ACTS?

Any youth in grades 9-11 and living anywhere in Jay County are welcome to join! Participation in ACTS are used for students' field days and meet new graduation requirements for the class of 2024.

For more information or to apply for ACTS, contact Jake Martz or Mason Edwards.