Richardson Youth Leadership is a program for high school juniors who reside in the Richardson ISD attendance area. During a period of seven months, students spend one afternoon a month at various sites in the Richardson area, learning about their community. Activities are designed to develop leadership and teamwork skills. Session topics may include leadership, social and cultural issues, volunteerism, education, city government, business, health care and criminal justice. Current sophomore may click on the links below for the application and recommendation forms. You may also contact your RISD counselor for information and forms. The application deadline is April 18th.

For more information contact Connie Wright, LRAA Vice President for RYL, at 972-498-4734.

Download the RYL Application form in either PDF or Word format.

Download the RYL Recommendation form in either PDF or Word format.

Why Richardson Youth Leadership?

To provide leadership training to Richardson youth in order to develop an awareness and understanding of the dynamics of a highly complex, rapidly changing technological, global, society.


What Will I Learn?

Richardson Youth Leadership is a program developed by the Leadership Richardson Alumni Association in cooperation with the Richardson Independent School District, which offers you an exciting opportunity to develop your leadership potential. Through participation in hands-on activities, you will enhance your awareness of the dynamics of our highly complex, rapidly changing technological and global society.


How Can I Be Selected?

You are invited to apply for participation in the program if you are currently a high school sophomore. Richardson ISD students will earn 1.0 local credit on their transcripts.

Students from each high school will be selected for the program based on applications and letters of recommendation from a school staff member and en employer or other person in the community. Participants will be chosen by a Selection Committee appointed by the Leadership Richardson Alumni Association. Students will represent a cross-section of the RISD community.

Students applying for the program must have an interest in acquiring leadership skills and be willing to make a significant time commitment. Cost for the program is $150. Scholarships are available for students who qualify. Contact your counselor for more information.


What is the Program?

During a period of seven months, you will spend one afternoon per month at various sites in the Richardson area. You will participate in activities designed to enhance your leadership and teamwork skills. Through interaction with a wide range of respected business and civic leaders who will be presenters at each of the program sessions, you will develop an understanding of community needs and the challenges facing you as a future leader.

The Richardson Youth Leadership curriculum may include the following programs and topics: Orientation, Leadership, Social and Cultural Issues, Education, Government and Politics, Richardson and the Business Community, Criminal Justice, and Wellness.

The program meets once a month, commonly on the second Tuesday from 1:00-6:00 PM.


What Is Leadership Richardson?

Leadership Richardson is a community leadership development program for adults, created by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce in 1985 to bring together a cadre of emerging community and business leaders encouraging them to learn about, to question, to dream about, and to care for their community. By better understanding the city's strengths and weaknesses, Leadership Richardson members can make their own investments in its future through their own leadership commitment.