For nearly 20 years the YWCA’s Bright Futures Leadership Program has been building the leadership skills of high school juniors who show incredible promise. Nominated by principals or guidance counselors at more than 70 Central Ohio high schools, these girls are considered the Women of Achievement of tomorrow. The class of 2015 consisted of 28 young women, three of whom attend Westerville Central High School – Victoria Obeng-Adjei, Madison Moore, and Isatou Touray.
These young women gather for comprehensive leadership training and community service projects. This multi-faceted program explores different models and practices of leadership development while focusing on opportunities to be engaged in the community. Participants engage in discussions with each other and women in the community who have unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives on leadership.
Each Bright Futures applicant writes a one to three-page essay, judged by women leaders in the community, and is awarded scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000. Moore received the top scholarship this year.