Youth Work... A Community Outreach to the Youth of the Region

The mission of The Youth Work Foundation of the Union League of Philadelphia, in support of the League's motto, "Love of Country Leads," is to motivate young people to set high personal standards of behavior and leadership, and to inspire them to become responsible citizens.

The Foundation fulfills its mission by working with youth serving agencies in the Greater Delaware Valley to identify young leaders and to provide them with citizenship training, scholarship opportunities, college and career counseling and network support.

Please click here to view a short video about The Youth Work Foundation.

The Good Citizenship Award
Since 1946, the League has partnered with area youth service agencies to select young men and women for the Union League's Good Citizenship Award. Awardees must demonstrate marked evidence of good citizenship as manifested by a cooperative attitude, self-control, perseverance, good sportsmanship and efforts to uphold the best traditions and principles of the American way of life.

At the annual Youth Work Day at the Union League, the students participate in workshops and presentations that focus on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. A highlight of the day is the evening banquet when students receive their Good Citizenship Awards from Union League members, program sponsors and supporters.

Over the past six decades the Good Citizenship Award has been presented to more than 13,500 young people. Many have become leaders in their chosen business or profession and some have become Union League members and support this unique outreach program.

College & Career Prep Programs
Each year The Youth Work Foundation offers educational opportunities to Good Citizenship Award winners with programs at the Union League and at other organizations in the Delaware Valley. The Foundation sends students to attend the three-day "American Leaders Youth Summit" at the Valley Forge campus of Freedoms Foundation (www.freedomsfoundation.org). Students attending the Summit gain a greater insight into the freedoms they enjoy as Americans and the responsibilities they bear as citizens.

Since 1956, recipients of the Good Citizenship Award have been eligible to apply in their senior year of high school for a Union League Scholarship for post high school education through The Scholarship Foundation.

In less formal ways, The Youth Work Foundation assists students with career advice and internship opportunities through the rich resources of the Union League membership who take a strong interest in mentoring youth.

The Youth Work Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in Pennsylvania, is a public charity. The Foundation is supported by gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations and bequests. Contributions qualify as charitable deductions for federal income tax, estate tax and gift tax purposes.

To reach Michelle Leonard or Sandra Leonard go to www.MichelleLeonard.com