Southeast Michigan youth leadership grows stronger when young people are heard. At LAHC, we empower teens and young adults by listening first—ensuring leadership programs reflect their voices, goals, and vision for the future.
For us, empowering youth is not just a program goal, but a long-term commitment to our community.
Through the Voices of the Youth initiative, LAHC is making sure leadership opportunities are built with youth, not simply for them.
Learn more about LAHC’s Youth Leadership Program.
What is LAHC’s Voices of the Youth Initiative?
LAHC’s Voices of the Youth initiative is a youth community needs assessment designed to gather direct input from young people ages 14–20. Instead of assuming what youth need, LAHC is asking them directly.
The Voices of the Youth Community Needs Assessment Survey centers on young people who are interested in:
- Leadership
- Entrepreneurship
- Public service
- Voicing their support needs
At its core, the initiative reflects our belief that the strongest programs begin by listening.
This youth community needs assessment allows LAHC to better align its existing and future programming with the interests and goals of local teens and young adults.
This initiative builds on programs such as the Youth Leadership Bridge-to-College Program and other education-focused initiatives designed to prepare young people for college, careers, and civic engagement.
By starting with youth voice, LAHC ensures that future leadership opportunities are shaped by those who will benefit most from them.
Why Southeast Michigan Youth Leadership Starts With Listening
True leadership development begins with engagement. That’s why Southeast Michigan youth leadership must start by inviting young people to share their perspectives.
When youth are treated as partners in shaping programs, they develop confidence, a sense of ownership, and a sense of belonging. Meaningful youth engagement leads to stronger outcomes and long-term civic participation.
By conducting a youth community needs assessment, LAHC is identifying what matters most to young people, whether that’s entrepreneurship, public service, digital skills, scholarships, or leadership development.
The initiative also complements programs like the Build the Future Youth Leadership Program, ensuring that offerings reflect current youth interests.
Listening is not just a survey strategy. It is a commitment to shared leadership.
How the Youth Community Needs Assessment Works
The Voices of the Youth survey is designed to be accessible, straightforward, and youth-centered.
Who can participate?
Young people ages 14–20 across Southeast Michigan are encouraged to complete the survey.
What are youth asked about?
Participants share:
- Their interest in leadership and entrepreneurship
- Their desire to engage in public service
- Educational and workforce goals
- The types of support or resources they need
- Ideas for improving opportunities in their communities
How will the feedback be used?
Responses from this youth community needs assessment will directly inform LAHC’s education and workforce development programming.
Insights gathered will help shape:
- Leadership training initiatives
- College and scholarship preparation efforts, such as support connected to Michigan scholarships for high school seniors
- Digital skill-building workshops, including topics like digital literacy skills necessary in education
- Community service and civic engagement opportunities
By grounding programs in youth feedback, LAHC ensures that resources are aligned with real aspirations and the realities of real barriers.
What Do Young People Gain by Participating?
For many youth, being asked for their input is rare. Participating in Voices of the Youth offers more than just completing a survey; it offers influence.
Young people gain:
- A platform to be heard: Their voices help shape programs that directly impact their futures.
- Influence over leadership and workforce opportunities: Survey responses guide the direction of new and existing initiatives across Southeast Michigan.
- Connection to long-term educational and career pathways: Through LAHC’s leadership programs, scholarship resources, and workforce development efforts, youth can take practical steps toward their goals.
The Michigan Department of Education emphasizes the importance of student engagement and leadership in preparing youth for lifelong success.
When young people contribute to the design of programs, leadership becomes something they actively practice rather than just learn about.
How Does Improving Youth Leadership Support Families and the Broader Dearborn Community?
The Voices of the Youth initiative benefits more than just participants.
Families gain reassurance that programs are built around what youth actually need, not assumptions. Educators and community organizations gain insight into emerging trends, interests, and support gaps. Community leaders benefit from data that helps guide long-term planning.
A youth community needs assessment strengthens collaboration and ensures resources are used effectively. It aligns youth aspirations with community investments.
Over time, this approach strengthens Southeast Michigan youth leadership, ensuring the region continues to grow with informed, engaged, and prepared young leaders.
How to Get Involved in Voices of the Youth
If you are between the ages of 14 and 20, we want to hear from you.
Quick overview of the Voices of the Youth survey:
- Ages 14–20 eligible
- Open to Southeast Michigan youth
- Focus areas: leadership, entrepreneurship, public service
- Purpose: inform future LAHC programming
- Impact: shape youth leadership opportunities
Complete the Voices of the Youth Community Needs Assessment Survey and share your interests, goals, and ideas. Your voice will directly influence future leadership and workforce opportunities in the Metro Detroit area and beyond.
Parents, educators, and community partners are encouraged to share this opportunity widely.
To get involved, contact:
- Mohammed Hizam
- Education & Workforce Development Coordinator
- Phone: 313.379.3016
- Email: [email protected]
👉Stay connected with LAHC initiatives, explore the latest updates on the LAHC blog, follow LAHC on Facebook, or learn how to support youth programming through volunteering or donating.
When youth voices are elevated, communities move forward together.
FAQ: Southeast Michigan Youth Leadership Programs
What is a youth community needs assessment?
A youth community needs assessment is a structured effort to gather direct input from young people about their interests, goals, and support needs. Organizations use this information to design programs that reflect real community priorities and strengthen youth leadership opportunities.
Who can participate in Voices of the Youth?
The Voices of the Youth initiative is open to youth ages 14–20 across Southeast Michigan.
How does LAHC use youth feedback to create programs?
LAHC analyzes survey responses to identify trends, interests, and service gaps. That data informs leadership development programs, scholarship preparation, digital literacy workshops, and workforce initiatives designed to strengthen Southeast Michigan youth leadership in sustainable, community-centered ways.