For the last school year, nineteen Howard County high school seniors have taken part in “Youth on Board,” a unique program run by Leadership Howard County (LHC) that trains and places students on a nonprofit boards.
With the support of The Horizon Foundation, Leadership launched the program in 2005. “We knew that Howard County would certainly reap the benefits of this program,” said LHC President and CEO Stacie Hunt. “Our nonprofit boards benefit by gaining youth perspectives in their decision-making processes. The county benefits by gaining increased youth involvement in our community. Most important, our students have an extraordinary opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge of community service and leadership by participating in this program.”
Nineteen students from public and private schools in Howard County participated on 17 nonprofit boards. To be selected to participate, students must have demonstrated leadership experience, be a current high school sophomore or junior and live in Howard County. Qualifications include leadership ability, concern for one’s community and an interest in working with nonprofit organizations.
Part of the 15 hours of classroom training includes mock meetings. “Everything done in the classroom is something students will experience during their tenure on a board,” said Diane Freedman, LHC director of youth programs. From the very first hour of training, the participants simulate mock board meetings along with learning the intricacies of parliamentary procedures. They learn about networking, decision making and working cooperatively with others.
Students are then placed on local boards based on mutual interest and availability. They serve on the board for a one-year term and are voting members. Students who will participat on boards this year are: Alexis Adams, Howard County Board of Education; Mishiel Ayub, HC DrugFree; Raymond Brodsky, Ulman Cancer Fund; Harish Chatrathi, First Tee of Howard County; Ryan Cherng, FIRN; Julia Cranska, The Salvation Army; Conner Croxson, Girls on the Run; Jackie Dawson, Women’s Giving Circle; Jon Duvall, Bright Minds Foundation; Julie Factor, Women’s Giving Circle; Emily Freedman, Leadership Howard County; Darian Hanrahan, Habitat for Humanity; Alex Israel, Howard County Arts Council; Joo-Jin Kang, Leadership U; Allan Nicholas, HC DrugFree; Katie Pindell, Domestic Violence Center; Cameron Simmons, Grassroots; Hailey Thometz, ARC of Howard County; Tatiana Williams, Mt. Hebron – Success in Style.
For more information on Leadership Howard County’s mission and programs, visit www.leadershiphc.org.
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Having youth leader, Ryan Cherng, on the FIRN board has brought a fresh perspective to the board’s deliberations. His creativity and energy is a vital part of the board’s decision-making process. Ryan is committed to FIRN’s mission of bridging cultures and building community. Thank you, Ryan.”
Young-chan Han, FIRN board president
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