Youth Leader Development Program (YLDP)
The Youth Leader Development Program (YLDP) is an unpaid internship with HRCA for youth ages 13-19.
YLDP provides valuable work and leadership training and experience that can be used for future employment applications, college applications, etc.
YLDP members must commit to actively work with HRCA in a leadership capacity, including roles such as working as a tournament director or helping manage tournaments, as an assistant coach, a special mission program coach, a peer tutor, or an ambassador for HRCA in community outreach events. Some of these positions may require parental supervision for members under the age of 18. YLDP members are able to choose the role(s) in which they wish to serve. The active commitment is a minimum of 20 leadership hours between September 1st and August 31st each year.
Non-leadership hours such as manual labor setting up for events or administrative / logistical work performed at home cannot be counted toward the YLDP commitment, but all hours logged are eligible for volunteer awards through HRCA or another organization (we will certify hours). You may use your hours to fulfill volunteer hour commitments for other organizations such as National Honor Society or Scouts.
All applicants must be current US Chess members with an established Regular over-the-board rating. This requirement ensures applicants are qualified to act in coaching and tournament directing capacities.
To apply for YLDP, candidates must fill out an online application, followed by an interview with the HRCA Executive Director. Once selected, members in good standing do not need to reapply for subsequent years — only declare your intention to continue in the program.
Before beginning work, all YLDP members must complete Safe Play training requirements. Members age 18-19 must undergo a background check.
YLDP members may be removed from the program at any time for failure to show the required maturity and professionalism and must wait one year before reapplying.
If you are ready to apply, click below. It is important that the applicant, not the parent, complete this form.
APPLICATION DEADLINE AUGUST 17th.