YIELD - Youth Investing Energy in Leadership Development
The intent of the program is to link high school juniors with community business leaders in an effort to prepare the students to be future leaders. YIELD is a partnership between the Garner Chamber of Commerce, Garner-Hayfield Community School District, and the Garner Asset Project.
This opportunity is held annually for 8 Garner students (juniors) nominated by GHHS staff. The Chamber Director works collaboratively with Garner business leaders to develop a list of leadership classes that are taught by community business leaders volunteering their time. The 12 sessions on topics such as team building, professional etiquette, resume writing, government advocacy, and leadership skills. The sessions meet in different business locations in Garner city limits.
Local businesses financially support the program to provide materials, YIELD shirts, and savings bonds to those who successfully meet YIELD graduation requirements. Graduation includes a celebration for parents and students to be recognized. A local leader delivers the graduation address and students are awarded their savings bonds. The project culminates with a group community service project identified and designed by youth participants.
Garner-Hayfield wins $10,000 grant in statewide competition
YIELD Project honored with AARP Legacy Innovation Award
Garner,
Iowa –
Garner-Hayfield
High School will receive AARP’s $10,000 Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy Award for Innovation on Friday, April 25, in recognition of its innovative Youth Investing Energy for Leadership Development (YIELD) program.
Garner-Hayfield was selected from schools across
Iowa who applied to receive the Association’s one-time award in celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2008, according to AARP Iowa State Director Bruce Koeppl. One high school from each of AARP’s 53 state and territory offices was chosen. The award is named for AARP’s founder Ethel Percy Andrus, a pioneer in secondary public school education and one of the first female high school principals in the nation.
“Garner-Hayfield is to be commended for its vision to involve local businesses and civic leaders, creating intergenerational connections and exposure to community service, and for all they’re doing to advance their students’ opportunities and choices,” said Koeppl.
