School is back in session, and so is the Q2 Verde Youth Leadership Academy.
The 10-month leadership development program for high school students relaunched earlier this month, providing selected students with a Q2 mentor and a part-time job as a youth soccer coach for area middle schools. All students are paid for their participation in the program.
“Q2 is honored to have the opportunity to invest in Austin-based youth who are committed to bettering themselves and their peers with the support of 4ATX Foundation,” said Sunshine Webster, Q2 Senior Manager of Talent Development.
This year, Verde Youth Leadership Academy is comprised of 12 high school students from Northeast Early College High School, Eastside Early College High School, Navarro Early College High School, East Austin College Prep, Harmony School of Excellence, and Weiss High School. Students range from sophomores to seniors.
"I’m excited to get on the field and be a coach and work with my favorite program, Verde Leaders," said Jaime Cadena, a senior at Eastside Early College High School, "I am ready to help middle schools students become leaders themselves, and I hope to become an even better leader and learn how to communicate with everyone."
Verde Youth Leadership Academy coaches will be on the field at the 4ATX Foundation’s Verde Leaders middle school site this fall, including Webb Middle School, Dobie Middle School, and Burnet Middle School.
As part of the focus on development, weekly and monthly meetings will be conducted for the Youth Leadership Academy, focusing on topics like public speaking, peer-to-peer mentorship, and college and career readiness.
Additionally, Q2 employees are paired up with a youth leader to provide individual support in areas of leadership and professionalism.
4ATX Foundation is using the power of soccer to build Austin’s future leaders.
