Teen Leadership Corps
Leadership skills are an advantage you’ll have for a lifetime. Cradles to Crayons’ Giving Corps offers inspiring programs for teens who are passionate about making a difference.
Applications for the 2025-2026 Teen Leadership Corps are now open!
The application window will close on Monday, March 31.
TLC candidates for the 2025-2026 term are expected to:
- Be entering 9th-12th grades in the fall of 2025.
- Attend the evening TLC Student-Parent Orientation in early June 2025.
- Participate in three days of TLC Training from June 23-25. If you are unable to commit to these training days, please hold your application until next year’s program.
- Volunteer in the Giving Factory for a minimum of 24 hours from July 2025 through April 2026.
- Help lead volunteer activities as part of larger C2C events.
- Assist with Ready for Learning distribution efforts over the summer, including support for Backpack-A-Thon events.
- Support Gear Up for Winter events, including Un-Gala Family Day in November.
- Raise at least $500 in donations on behalf of Cradles to Crayons through creative fundraising activities.
- Represent Cradles to Crayons as appropriate at your school and in the community.
We appreciate the support of TLC parents. Because this is a leadership program, we insist that the student (not the parent) initiate and maintain contact with regard to their application and their place within the program. Students should have an email address that they will check regularly. Thank you!
“Serving in the TLC was fun, and helped me build confidence in speaking to groups of adults. I’m proud of what I accomplished, but also grateful to have helped with such an important mission.”
About the Teen Leadership Corps (TLC)
This selective year-long program offers high school students a unique opportunity to blend personal growth with service to others. Accepted teens serve as ambassadors for Cradles to Crayons, while developing leadership skills in the areas of community organizing and volunteer service. TLC members take part in a customized training program, taught by C2C staff, business executives, and community leaders, including topics such as Team Building and Public Speaking. Students are given an “insider” experience at the Giving Factory, where they will learn how a successful non-profit organization runs and gain a better understanding of the impact Cradles to Crayons has in this region.