Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Interfaith Youth Leadership Initiative?
The Interfaith Youth Leadership Initiative is a leadership development and skills building program for high school youth.
Where is it?
- Our Washington D.C. Trip will take place in our Nation's capitol at several different locations. For more info, click here.
- IYLI-LA will be held at the University Religious Center at the University of Southern California. A map and directions can be found at the link above.
- IYLI-Long Beach will take place at California State University of Long Beach.
- IYLI-Orange County will take place at Chapman University
Who will be there?
The Interfaith Youth Leadership Initiative will be staffed by professionals from Los Angeles, Long Beach, Orange County and the surrounding areas who are interfaith leaders. That means they might be clergy who engage with other faith groups for interfaith service projects and dialogues, or lay people who participate in and organize interfaith events. Some people might work for interfaith organizations in or near Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Orange County. We will go on field trips to faith communities where we will meet clergy and other professionals.
Who is invited to participate?
All high school students, freshman through seniors, are invited to apply. Whether you have experience with interfaith work or you are interested in learning more about it, you are welcome to participate.
I'm not religious, and I don't belong to a church or temple or anything! Can I still come?
If you are interested in interfaith leadership, you are welcome to apply. We do not discriminate!
How many people will participate?
We will welcome 50 participants this year for each program.
How much will it cost?
The Interfaith Youth Leadership Initiative program in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Orange County are free! At the successful completion of each program, youth leaders will earn $100 scholarship to pursue their higher education. Those accepted into the Washington D.C. advocacy trip will need to fund raise $500 to go on the trip.
What kinds of things will we do?
You will go on field trips to places of worship and you will meet interfaith leaders from Los Angeles/Long Beach/Orange County who will speak to the group about their work. You will have the opportunity to discuss your faith and beliefs with people your age from different faith communities and eat lunch while listening to a DJ spin your favorite music. You will take part in a service project to be part of the world around you.
I want to know more about the scholarships and opportunities.
Participants in IYLI-LA, Long Beach, and Orange County will be eligible to receive college scholarships. Each participant will receive a scholarship after successful completion of the program. This scholarship does not include leaders who will be attending the Washington, D.C. advocacy trip. Instead, those selected for the D.C. trip will have their trip cost subsidized by $1300 per student.
How do I apply?
Go to the 'Apply' link on our website, down load that application, fill it out, get your parent/guardian signature, and mail it in by May 1, 2014.
I am interested in being involved, but I'm not a high school student! What can I do?
If you are interested in helping us out, we have internship possibilities! Please fill out the mentor application!
How can I contribute to the Interfaith Youth Leadership Initiative?
For contributions or donations, please fill out the contact form. We will respond to your message as soon as possible.