Applications for 2023-2024 have closed.
Applications for 2024-2025 will open February 1, 2024.
To learn more, watch this video from Conway Corp’s TV show, Here and There.
Our community is faced with many of the challenges that accompany the aspects of a growing area. The Conway Area Youth Leadership Institute (CAYLI) addresses those aspects and expose our county’s youth to opportunities for community involvement and improvement.
DESCRIPTION:
CAYLI is a school-year program consisting of a two-day (overnight) retreat and seven monthly sessions, which include human services, education, media/technology, healthcare, work world/economy, government/court system and environment/agriculture. A community service project is a vital part of the curriculum.
PROGRAM CONCEPT:
• The youth program represents a cooperative effort between UCA Outreach & Community Engagement, Faulkner County Leadership Institute and school districts throughout Faulkner County.
• CAYLI is designed to help develop leadership potential within 11th and 12th grade students.
• CAYLI addresses the challenges and opportunities of our community and exposes high school age young people to avenues for community involvement and improvement.
• Enrollment is open to students who are currently high school sophomores and juniors in Faulkner County. Teachers, parents and others are encouraged to nominate students and encourage them to apply. Applications are open February 1st – March 1st with selections made in April.
• Each class represents a broad cross-section of the community. Special effort is made to ensure a diverse group is selected.
GOALS:
• To develop leadership potential in high school students by promoting an atmosphere that will enrich students for leadership roles.
• To broaden the community awareness of each participant. 
• To increase community involvement.
• Provide mentoring and career exploration opportunities.
BACKGROUND:
The Conway Area Youth Leadership Institute is led by UCA Outreach, dedicated volunteers and graduates of the Faulkner County Leadership Institute. CAYLI was started in 1995 as the Faulkner County Youth Leadership Institute by that year’s Faulkner County Leadership Institute (FCLI) adult class. Over 500 young people have graduated from the program. CAYLI receives its primary funding from fundraising and donations collected.
To graduate from Conway Area Youth Leadership, a participant is expected to attend all sessions and complete the following requirements:
• Summer Retreat – A two-day session (overnight)
• Participation in seven monthly sessions – session times will vary
• Conduct a community service project
• Graduation in April
Participation in the Conway Area Youth Leadership Institute is open to Faulkner County students currently enrolled in the 10th and 11th grades. Selection is based on:
1. Commitment to demonstrate leadership with peers in school and community settings.
2. Commitment to attend a retreat in the summer and all training sessions (September – March) during the 2023-2024 school year.
3. Ability to pay $50 enrollment fee. (Some scholarships available)
For more information, contact Dr. Shaneil Ealy at youthleadership@uca.edu or call 501-450-5266.