Youth Leadership Institute in Birmingham area to teach children STEM, leadership and public speaking skills

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) – The Psi Xi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is inviting young people to participate in its Youth Leadership Institute on Saturday. The program promotes healthy independence and personal empowerment through a learn-by-doing approach.

Erica Lamar-Coney is the president of the organization. She and Toya Burton joined CBS 42 Morning News on Saturday to talk about it. Coney said this started as an initiative for sorority that gives youth a chance to step out of their comfort zone.

“It is completely run by them, so they tell us what it is they desire to do, and then we support those endeavors,” Lamar-Coney said.

Burton said she is hopeful they take away valuable live skills like public speaking and leadership skills.

“We hope that when they finish the program, they learn about networking and speaking out a little bit more,” Burton said. “Also, in their class and going back to their school, they take the skills they learn in this program back to the school that they’re in.”

The Youth Leadership Institute is happening at noon Saturday in the North Shelby Library. It is free to sign up and will be happening for nine months.

Lamar-Coney said if you missed the first one this weekend, you could participate next month and sign up on social media to register .

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