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31st Annual Youth Citizenship Seminar Inspires Future Leaders

The 31st annual Youth Citizenship Seminar (YCS) took place June 23 through June 27 on Pepperdine's Malibu campus.

The event brought together 273 high-achieving high school juniors from throughout Southern California to explore leadership themes with professionals who have successfully carved their own leadership niche. This year's line-up included high-profile speakers such as Ben Stein, Tommy Lasorda, and George Foreman.

According to Pepperdine Chancellor Emeritus Charles B. Runnels, the program's founder, the seminar's aim is to inspire new interest and greater zeal in "the future leaders of America."

"Today's ambitious high school students are ready to expand their horizons," Runnels explains. "By listening to inspiring presentations, participating in interactive workshops, and communicating one-on-one with more than 20 world renowned speakers and leaders from all walks of life, these young people leave here better prepared to begin their own quest to make a positive
difference in our world."

Each year, approximately 1,200 YCS applications are received from public and independent high schools throughout Southern California. The 273 students selected to attend represent a wide variety of strengths through their scholastic, athletic, musical and theatrical accomplishments, and they collectively embody a unique desire to make a personal contribution to America's future.

The YCS experience is the culmination of six months of planning, and operates on a budget of over $300,000 in privately donated funds. Each of the participants is awarded a scholarship to attend; their tuition and on-campus expenses are funded by The Pilgrim Foundation, the YCS Committee of Endorsement, business leaders, and foundations throughout the country. The longevity of this event is the direct result of its founder's ongoing belief in the leadership potential of today's young people.