International Youth Leadership Institute

The International Youth Leadership Institute (IYLI), founded in 1989, nurtures a new generation of visionary leaders from the African Diaspora who, inspired by their rich African heritage, are committed to leaving a legacy in the world.

Major Activities. IYLI sponsors the Seminars Program to help students to examine local problems in the context of global issues and challenges. Students also commit to engaging in community service. Through the Community Service and Development Program, they develop their leadership skills, gain first-hand knowledge of important social and economic issues, and provide a valuable service to New York City, community-based organizations. IYLI's Winter Institute provides study opportunities in the Caribbean and Latin America. Winter Institutes have been held in Cuba, St. Eustatius, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Dominican Republic. The four-week Summer Fellowship Program enables students to investigate in-depth critical global issues in another country (based on the summer curriculum), strengthen understanding of students' own and other cultures, develop and use foreign language skills, learn first-hand about international-related careers and engage in community ethnographic projects to build their research and team working skills. Programs have been conducted in Ethiopia (2013); Ghana (1994); Senegal/Gambia (1991; 1993; 2001; 2009; 2013; 2014); Egypt (1990; 1992; 1995; 1999; 2000); Spain/Morocco (1996); South Africa (1997); Israel (1992); and Mexico (1998).