Leadership Development and Advocacy

CLIA’s Leadership Development and Advocacy training programs equip youth with the skills necessary to lead effectively and advocate for positive change in their schools, neighborhoods and city.

Youth Advisory Council

Baltimore City High School students in CLIA’s Youth Advisory Council use research and fact-based advocacy to solve problems confronting Baltimore youth. Youth work with adult change-makers to ensure youth voices are included when addressing situations that directly impact youth.

Job Shadowing with Change-Makers

CLIA’s Job Shadowing program connects youth with lawyers, public officials, and community organizers who provide real life experience and mentoring to shape their personal and professional goals. Youth receive one-on-one guidance on resumes, cover-letters, and college applications and training in networking, job interviewing and public speaking.

Summer Leadership Institute

CLIA’s Summer Leadership Institute is a six week intensive program that trains selected youth from Baltimore City Public High Schools to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, engaged citizens and community leaders.
“When I first engaged with CLIA, I learned advocacy and dispute resolution which ultimately led some students and I to advocate for [peer mediation] at my school. CLIA taught me to be a contributing member of my community in an effective manner.” Craig M.

CLIA Student, Alumni of Mergenthaler Vo-Tech High School