Two students stand at a whiteboard and explain their ideas to an adult mentor.
Workforce Development program

A leadership council led by young people, with a mentor for every member.

The LCF Junior Board is a youth-led leadership council. High school and college students serve for a year, learn how a nonprofit is run, and help shape the work of Latino Connection Foundation in their communities.

  • Ages 16 to 24
  • Dauphin County, meeting in person and online
  • 12-month term
  • Free
Applications for the 2027 board open on July 1, 2027.
About the LCF Junior Board

Students have a real voice in how LCF serves their community.

Junior Board members meet every month to build leadership skills and plan projects of their own. They raise money for LCF programs, serve and speak up for their communities, and tell our staff what young people need from the programs we run. Each member is paired with an adult business professional who mentors them one-on-one through the year. The first Junior Board launched in summer 2026.

A smiling young woman with long curly hair wears a graduation cap and gown.
How it works

One year on the board, with a meeting every month.

Members serve a 12-month term. The board meets once a month, in person and online, and each meeting includes leadership training and time to practice new skills. Between meetings, members go on field trips to see how businesses and organizations work, and they take part in community events.

Dauphin County, meeting in person and online
  • 12-month term
  • Monthly meetings, in person and online
  • Field trips to businesses and organizations
  • Fundraising for LCF programs
  • Community service and advocacy
  • A one-on-one mentor for every member

What a year on the board gives you.

Every member leaves the Junior Board with experience they can describe on a college application, in a job interview, or on a resume.

  1. A mentor of your own

    You are paired with an adult business professional who guides and supports you one-on-one. Mentors are local professionals and experts, matched with members by their interests and the skills they want to build.

  2. Leadership experience

    You plan events and lead fundraising campaigns with other members, and you see how a nonprofit board works.

  3. Skills you will keep using

    Monthly sessions build confidence, communication, project management, and public speaking.

  4. A head start on college and career

    You earn volunteer and service hours, meet people who work in local businesses and organizations, and add real experience to your resume.

  5. A say in LCF’s programs

    Your feedback and ideas help shape the programs LCF runs for young people and families.

For families

Need help with housing, food, school, or work? Our team can connect your family with support.
Get Help

Why it matters

Leadership opportunities

How to apply
Applications for the 2027 board open on July 1, 2027.

Apply for a seat on the Junior Board.

Questions? Email
info@wearelcf.org
  • Young people ages 16 to 24 with an interest in leadership, community impact, or how nonprofits are governed. You can apply if you are in 11th or 12th grade in the Harrisburg, Susquehanna Township, Central Dauphin, Lower Dauphin, or Steelton-Highspire school district, or if you are a student at an accredited college, university, or trade school.
  • Dauphin County, meeting in person and online
    Meetings are in person in Dauphin County and online, so members away at college can take part.
  • 12-month term
    12-month term, with one meeting each month. The current term runs from November 2, 2026 to October 30, 2027.
  • Free

What you commit to

Serve the full 12-month term, attend every monthly meeting, and attend all community events and field trips. Members sign an agreement when they are selected.

Application

  1. A leadership reflection. Tell us why you want to be part of the LCF Junior Board, and what perspective or lived experience you would bring. Choose the format that suits you. You can send a written response of 250 to 400 words or a video or audio recording of 1 to 2 minutes. You can also send a creative piece, such as art, a poem, or a digital collage, with a short explanation.
  2. A short answer on community values. Tell us what leadership looks like to you, especially in your community. Write up to 150 words, or record a 1-minute video or audio response.
  3. At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or principal.
  4. At least two references, with their relationship to you and a phone number or email address.

Applications for the 2026 board are closed.

Tell Me When Applications Open

We will contact you within 48 business hours.

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Choose how many children you would like to sign up.

Choose a sport, or choose Both.

For example: 7 and 10, or 2nd and 5th grade.

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We will contact you within 48 business hours. Questions? Email info@wearelcf.org.

Help young leaders get started.

  • Share with a student

    Are you a teacher, counselor, or principal? If you know a student who would be a good fit, please share this page with them. Students also need a recommendation letter from one of you to apply.

    Ask Us About the Junior Board

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  • Mentor or partner

    Business professionals are welcome to mentor a Junior Board member, and businesses and organizations can host a field trip. Tell us you are interested and we will follow up.

    Talk With Us About Partnering
  • Give

    Your gift supports the work of Latino Connection Foundation, including our programs for young people.

    Donate