Applying leadership skills for civic engagement: A case study of alumni who participated in youth leadership programs in Alabama's black belt region

As a disengaged and underutilized community resource, young people have the potential to develop leadership skills and express themselves in community action. For this study, the researcher interviewed 13 young adults from rural areas of Alabama. These 18- to 20-year-olds had taken part in community leadership skills programs during their high school years. In this qualitative investigation, the researcher used a multiple case study model that included in depth, one on one interviews and personal observations. Analysis of the data revealed three themes for civic engagement: (a) the participants expressed their ideas and feelings, orally and in their writings; (b) they discussed their leadership skills; and (c) they applied their leadership skills. These results further suggested to the researcher that motivation, confidence, self esteem, and relationship building skills were reinforced by the leadership skills programs, and those factors were applied within the participants' communities. Based on the evidence derived from this study, the ideas and leadership skills of young people have value and strength, especially for rural communities