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Pepperdine Hosts 34th Annual Youth Citizenship Seminar

Pepperdine University hosted the 34th annual Youth Citizenship Seminar (YCS) Monday, June 20, to Friday, June 24, inviting over 250 high-achieving high school juniors from throughout Southern California to spend five memorable days interacting with today’s leaders, exploring current national and world topics, and sharing memorable interaction with their peers. This year's inspirational speakers included such notable figures as Los Angeles Dodger Tommy Lasorda, heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, television host Chris Harrison, and TV personality Ben Stein.  

Founded in 1977 by Pepperdine’s Chancellor Emeritus Charles B. Runnels, the seminar inspires high school students to make a personal contribution to America’s future. 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 Web site.