The old adage that "young people are the leaders of the future" doesn't ring true in Hampton Virginia. In Hampton young people are leaders, decision-makers and contributors in our community TODAY.

Everywhere you go in Hampton, young people are working to improve their neighborhoods, schools, community programs and even city government. Hampton channels the passion and volunteer spirit of youth into a broad range of civic opportunities with a formal role in governance and meaningful chance to make a difference.

Hampton's Youth Civic Engagement initiative is based on a pyramid of opportunities that create a system of active, meaningful involvement for youth. Two components of the initiative are:

1. Preparing young people for their roles as active community members and assisting them in participating in an ever-increasing system of opportunities. (See Alternatives, Inc.)
2. Preparing community members to work in partnership with young people. (See BEST Initiative)

• Pathways to YCE
• Current Opportunities
• Milestones