News and Events

press releases

33rd Annual Youth Citizenship Seminar Inspires Southern California's Future Leaders

Pepperdine University hosts the 33rd annual Youth Citizenship Seminar (YCS) this week from Monday, June 21, to Friday, June 25, bringing over 250 high school juniors from Southern California to learn about leadership from those who have paved their own way as leaders. This year's inspirational speakers include such notable figures as Los Angeles Dodger Tommy Lasorda, boxing great George Foreman, radio talk show host Dennis Prager, and TV personality Ben Stein.  

Pepperdine's Chancellor Emeritus, Charles B. Runnels, founded the YCS program and says the aim of the seminar 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 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.

For more information, visit the Youth Citizenship Seminar website.