Function

• Teen leadership programs are a form of development program, but geared toward a specific focus. While both types of programs teach self-reliance and confidence, leadership programs take these concepts and apply them outward, instead of just inward. It is not enough to be confident as an individual; a leader inspires confidence in others. Responsibility for self is important, but a leader takes responsibility for his community and encourages others to do the same. Teen leadership programs go beyond mere personal development; they teach teens how to develop their community and peers while developing themselves.
  
  

Considerations

• According to multiple studies referred to by the National Alliance for Secondary Education and Transition (NASET), teens who take part in leadership programs demonstrate greater abilities to stand up for themselves and their beliefs, to make and trust their own decisions and to believe in themselves and their abilities. These strengths counteract many of the mindsets that encourage bullying and being bullied, premature sexual activity and the "follower" mentality.
  
  

Benefits

• Teen leadership programs promote the development of decision-making skills and working with groups, according to Barry Boyd in the August 2001 issue of the "Journal of Extension." Part of decision-making skills is measuring cause, effect and consequences; knowledge and understanding of ethical principles is crucial to that process. A solid ethical foundation is a key to character.
  
  

Effects

• The NASET report also mentioned multiple findings of leadership training studies on goal-setting and planning. Teens became able to identify and set reasonable goals, believe in their ability to achieve them and to create a workable set of actions to accomplish them. These valuable life skills promote success into adulthood.
  
  

Significance

• Community service and development become an important focus for teens involved in leadership training programs, as seen by Seevers and Dormody in the "Journal of Agricultural Education." They learn both the attitude and skills that allow them to make a positive difference in the lives of others. These teens have a sense of purpose, which helps them forge their own identities and keeps them from the pitfalls of feeling "empty" and "not belonging," such as drugs, alcohol, sex and other risk-taking behavior.