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Rooted Youth Leadership Program
Rooted Youth Leadership Program
Grow. Lead. Serve.
Grow. Lead. Serve.
A free four-year youth leadership and personal development program of Obsidian Institute of Integrative Medicine.
Rooted Youth is designed to help young people grow into confident, emotionally aware, community-minded leaders.
Over four years, participants move through a developmental pathway that begins with social-emotional learning and personal growth, builds into career and life preparation, and ultimately provides opportunities to become trained peer leaders and Peer Counselors. Upcon program completion, youth will have a Be There Certification, relevant job experience, a job/college recommendation and a $1500 scholarship.Â
Each cohort is limited to 6 youth. Participation is FREE.
Program Details
Program Details
Program: Rooted Youth Leadership Program
Organization: Obsidian Institute of Integrative Medicine
Length: 4 Years
Program Day: Saturdays
Cohort Size: 6 Youth
Cost: FREE
Years 1–2: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Rooted Youth Curriculum)
Years 3–4: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Junior Peer Counselor Curriculum and Peer Counselor duties)
Garden experiences, field trips, and special activities may occur outside of regular program hours.
Grow Beyond the Classroom
Grow Beyond the Classroom
Rooted Youth includes hands-on experiences that connect personal growth with community, nature, wellness, and service.
Each semester, participants take two trips to the Alvin L. Washington, Sr. Memorial Garden and Wildlife Habitat located in Harvey, IL.
Youth have opportunities to:
Work in the garden
Learn about growing food and herbs
Explore environmental stewardship
Participate in hands-on service learning
Work as a team
Connect wellness with the environment
Experience community-based learning
During harvest season, youth receive fresh produce and herbs grown in the garden.
More Than a Youth Program
More Than a Youth Program
Rooted Youth is a four-year journey.
Youth don't simply attend a program—they grow through it.
They begin by learning about themselves.
Then they learn how to prepare for their future.
Then they learn how to lead.
Finally, they have the opportunity to serve others.
ROOT → GROW → LEAD → SERVE
ROOT → GROW → LEAD → SERVE
By the end of the program, youth will have developed skills that can support them in school, work, relationships, community involvement, and their future careers.
Who Is Rooted Youth For?
Who Is Rooted Youth For?
Rooted Youth is designed for young people who are ready to:
Grow their confidence
Learn more about themselves
Build life and career skills
Explore college and career options
Develop leadership skills
Learn about mental health and peer support
Give back to their community
Build meaningful relationships with other young people
Become positive influences in their communities
A Four Year Journey
A Four Year Journey
🌱 Year 1 — ROOT
🌱 Year 1 — ROOT
Know Yourself. Build Your Foundation.
Year 1 is all about understanding who you are and building a strong emotional foundation.
Youth complete the Rooted Youth Workbook and participate in social-emotional learning activities focused on:
Self-awareness
Self-esteem and self-trust
Emotional awareness and regulation
Communication
Healthy relationships and boundaries
Decision-making
Goal setting
Personal growth
Leadership development
🌿 Year 2 — GROW
🌿 Year 2 — GROW
Prepare for Your Future.
Year 2 helps youth develop practical skills for life after high school.
Participants explore:
Resume writing
Interviewing skills
Business writing
Professional communication
Meal and professional etiquette
Budgeting and financial literacy
Career exploration
College opportunities
Trade schools and skilled trades
Apprenticeships and workforce pathways
Entrepreneurship and career planning
Be There Certification
Youth begin connecting their personal strengths and interests to real opportunities for their future.
🌳 Year 3 — LEAD
🌳 Year 3 — LEAD
Learn to Support Others.
Year 3 is where youth begin stepping into leadership.
Participants become Junior Peer Counselors and help support the Year 1 and Year 2 youth during the morning program.
During their afternoon leadership session, Junior Peer Counselors learn about:
Peer support
Active listening
Communication
Boundaries
Confidentiality
Crisis-support awareness
Recognizing when someone needs additional help
Leadership
Conflict resolution
Self-care for helpers
Knowing when to involve an adult
Year 3 is about learning what it means to lead while continuing to grow.
🌳 Year 4 — SERVE
🌳 Year 4 — SERVE
Become a Peer Counselor.
Year 4 is the highest level of the Rooted Youth Leadership Program.
Youth who demonstrate readiness may apply for a Peer Counselor position.
Year 4 Peer Counselors help support the younger Rooted Youth participants during the morning program.
During the afternoon, Year 4 Peer Counselors provide structured individual peer support for up to 30 minutes to clients who choose to receive peer support.
Peer Counselors provide encouragement, listening, connection, and support within their training and role. They work under the supervision of OIIM staff and know when to connect someone with an adult or professional for additional support.
Year 4 gives youth the opportunity to take the skills they have developed over four years and use them to serve others.
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