RPCA Future Leaders

Page updated on December 1, 2025 at 11:58 AM
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Image of three teens sitting at a desk engaged in conversation with some teens blurred in the background and the words RPCA Future Leaders Building the Next Generation of Leaders through Service, Learning, and Community Engagement overlaid on top in white letters

Program Overview

The Future Leaders Teen Program builds leadership, civic responsibility, and teamwork through service-learning projects across Alexandria. Teens meet weekly at their rec centers and monthly at the Lee Center to share updates, reflect, and connect Citywide.

Program Dates

  • Start Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
  • End Date: May 27, 2026
  • Meeting Time: Wednesdays, 6–7 p.m.
  • Meeting Location: Lee Center – Gold Room

Registration

  • Registration Period: December 8–19
  • Participation: 3 students per recreation center (expanding to 5–10 students per center in future years)

Service-Learning Projects

Participants will take part in community-based projects focused on leadership, service, and career exploration:

  1. Environmental Projects: Nature Center
  2. Community Service and Engagement: Volunteerism, STEM, and Early Childhood Development
    This combined area of service gives participants the opportunity to:
    • Volunteer and Beautify
    • Inspire Young Learners
    • Explore STEM Careers
  3. Customer Service and Community Care

 

Group of teens sitting on a tree smiling at the camera

Nature Center

Hands-on learning about conservation, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

Girl dressed in white shirt and jeans picking up trash in the woods while holding a blue trash bag

Volunteer and Beautify

Support local community clean-ups and beautification projects in collaboration with Master Gardeners and Citizens Science.

Three teens learning and writing in notebooks sitting on a couch

Inspire Young Learners

Develop partnerships that give students the opportunity to lead story times, literacy activities, and early childhood engagement sessions that encourage curiosity and learning.

Image of a teen mentoring a younger child about STEM

Explore STEM Careers

Participate in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) experiences that connect innovation to real-world problem-solving.

Group of Therapeutic Recreation kids sitting around the table with plants

Customer Service and Community Care

Learn how to work with and serve others through volunteer opportunities with seniors, shelters, and TR programs.

Program Progression

Each month focuses on a different leadership and service theme:

MonthFocus Area / Activity
JanuaryKickoff Meeting: Meet and Greet, program overview, ice breakers, leadership elections, and introduction to Roberts Rules of Order and team roles.
FebruaryCustomer Service and Teamwork: How to work with and serve others.
MarchEnvironmental Projects: Visit the Nature Center and participate in environmental programs.
AprilVolunteerism and STEM: Participate in community clean-ups, gardening, STEM projects, and early childhood engagement initiatives.
MayReflection and Presentation: Students will present their experiences using a presentation application to showcase what they've learned.
Group of teens sitting and smiling at each other

Summer 2026 Opportunities

Graduating participants may be eligible for:

  • Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Positions
  • Paid Summer Internships

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