Our Programs / In the Lead

Community Youth Registration

Registration for Fall 2026 is open.

In the Lead is an innovative strength-based leadership and mentorship program for young people ages 14 – 18 who may be struggling to see, use and believe in their natural leadership abilities.

In the Lead is a weekly, 90 minute program that works on the leadership capacities of young people, develops critical coping strategies, builds positive self-concept and strengthens their resiliency and confidence.

Because we know that the biggest difference between thriving and just surviving is having caring adults in their lives, all Young Leaders in the program are paired with a Coach Mentor. Our Coaches are volunteers from the community and our corporate partners who want to support the healthy development of Calgary’s next generation of leaders.

This program may hit capacity – we will reach out to the registrant to confirm participation.

Community Program Details

AGES: 14 – 18

WHEN: Once a week, every Wednesday from October 7, 2026 to January 20, 2027
(Excluding November 11, December 23, and December 30, 2026)

TIME: 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
(Doors will open at 3:30 – In the Lead will provide snacks and a safe space to hang out until the session begins!)

WHERE: Calgary Youth Justice Office — 620 7^th Ave SW (directly on the train line)

TRANSPORTATION: We are directly across from the 4^th Street station and can provide transit tickets to any youth that may need that. Please contact us if there are any barriers around transportation.

WHAT: This is not a drop-in program. Youth who are registered are required to commit to the 14 weeks of programming. Youth don’t need to bring anything with them except a willingness to participate in a pro-social, safe way for others! In the Lead will provide snacks and program materials.

WHO: Amazing young people from across Calgary and our professional In the Lead facilitators who can’t wait to build a relationship with young people you care about. In the Lead has been working with youth in Calgary since 2011 and has given over 1300 young people the chance to transform their views of themselves, their communities and their futures.

Our Curriculum

Sessions cover topics such as:

Discovering our strengths
Defining our values and how they inform our decision-making
What and who influences us
Overcoming hard and stressful things
Creating positive change in our communities

We also incorporate 2 events that provide the youth opportunities to give back and volunteer.

Our Coaches

Are all volunteers from the Calgary community
Go through a rigorous screening process including police checks, interviews and reference checks
Go through intensive training
Work closely with the professional In the Lead team to ensure a successful experience for youth
Communication and connection with Coaches is at the discretion of the youth

In the Lead Community Registration Form

Fall 2026

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We are happy to connect with you and the youth you are nominating.

Contact Information:
Michelle Seifert (Community Program Coordinator – In the Lead)
mseifert@cyjs.ca

In the Lead - Community - Registration Form - Fall 2026

I have talked to the young person I want to nominate and they are interested and ready to join the program for the full semester.(Required)

Yes

Youth Name(Required)

First Last

Pronouns of Young Person(Required)

Example: he/him, she/her, they/them

Email of Young Person(Required)

Phone of Young Person(Required)

Person Nominating(Required)

First Last

Email of Person Nominating(Required)

Phone Number of Person Nominating(Required)

Is the Person Nominating also the Parent/Guardian?(Required)

Yes

Parent/Guardian Name

First Last

Email of Parent/Guardian

Phone Number of Parent/Guardian

Do you give In the Lead staff consent to text, call or email the nominated young person to communicate with them about the program?(Required)

Yes

What strengths do you see in this young person?(Required)

EXAMPLE: I feel that Seth would make a great candidate for the In the Lead program as he is wise beyond his years. He is kind, genuine and compassionate and has shown a tremendous amount of growth since I started working with him. Seth is resilient and tries hard to never give up on his goals and dreams. He is also very reliable and dependable and shows up for appointments regularly and on time.

What strengths and leadership qualities do you see them demonstrating in their communities (school, neighbourhood, within your organization, etc...)?(Required)

EXAMPLE: Seth has huge potential as a leader in his community and for his peers. He has a huge heart and he is continually working towards not only his own personal growth but supports others in their journey towards health and wellbeing by co-facilitating a meditation class for his peers in recovery. He shows initiative by planning for the class but is also adaptable and flexible to meet the needs of the class participants. Seth is always willing to lend a listening ear to anyone who needs support and advice.

Why do you think they would be a good candidate for this strength based leadership development opportunity?(Required)

EXAMPLE: I believe being part of the group would allow Seth to meet new people and develop positive relationships. Having Seth as part of In the Lead would enhance not just his growth but everyone else’s in the group as well as he has so much to offer as a young leader. I am so proud and excited to nominate Seth for In the Lead. You couldn’t ask for a better candidate.

Please ensure you see a confirmation screen and receive a confirmation email after submitting this form. If you do not, we also did not receive the referral. If you have concerns or are unsure please email Michelle at: mseifert@cyjs.ca

Our Programs / In the Lead

Community Youth Registration

Registration for Fall 2026 is open.

Community Program Details

Our Curriculum

Our Coaches

In the Lead Community Registration Form

Fall 2026

In the Lead - Community - Registration Form - Fall 2026

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