SUMMER YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (SYLP)
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SYLP is one of our flagship education programs with intergenerational reach & impact, you don’t want to miss this unique summer experience!
DHF Summer Youth Leadership Program SYLP 2024
As part of our education and prevention outreach to the community at large, DHF conducts a Summer Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) each year.
The goal is to educate, engage and equip youth with tools to navigate challenges through non-violent communication and promote healthy relationships.
SYLP is one of our flagship education programs with intergenerational reach & impact, you don’t want to miss this unique summer experience!
Register Today!
SYLP Session I:
“Walk A Mile In Her Shoes”: Boys & Men Ending Domestic Violence& Gender Stereotypes
Facilitator:
RICHARD CELESTIN:
Richard Celestin, Esq. is an attorney, professor, entrepreneur, bestselling author, success coach and motivational speaker, providing unique insights and experiences aimed at empowering young people and adults to seek and strive for their true greatness.
Discussion about Male Empathy and Allyship as it relates to reducing cases of domestic & family violence, where it impacts BOTH males & females throughout the intergenerational cycle.
SYLP Session I Recap
By Safiya Lunat
The 2024 Student Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) is officially in session! We started off strong with Session I, entitled, “‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’”: Boys & Men Ending Domestic Violence & Gender Stereotypes.” Our speaker, Richard Celestin––an attorney, professor, entrepreneur, bestselling author, success coach, motivational speaker, youth advocate, and social justice activist––engaged in a profound conversation with the student participants in this workshop.
Staying true to his personal mission of advocating for and empowering youth, Richard provided unique insight on his personal connection to the cause of fighting against domestic violence. He shared how his sister was a victim of domestic violence and ultimately lost her life at the hands of her abuser. Richard imparted wisdom on what one’s role is––regardless of gender––as a human being and friend if someone they love is a victim of domestic violence. Our students were engaged and inspired, making thoughtful remarks and asking reflective questions ranging from, “What are the signs that someone is a victim of domestic violence?” to “How can we dismantle cultural patterns of domestic violence?” and “How can I work to not become an abuser?” Through this first session and Richard’s impactful insight on the sensitive nature of tackling abuse, our participants developed an informed perspective on this topic!
SYLP Session II:
“What’s up with Weed, Alcohol & Opioids?!” :
A Responsibility We All Must Share”
Facilitator:
Family & Children Association
- Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds
- Alexis Jinks
- Kaylee Barriga
- Akerah Butler
Discussion about history, legalities, impact of using weed, alcohol and opioids on brain and body and prevention of substance abuse; to implement strategies to enhance well-being and resilience.
SYLP Session II Recap
By Safiya Lunat
Another great session of the 2024 Student Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) is officially in the books! In our second session of the SYLP, “‘What’s Up with Alcohol, Weed, & Opioids?!’: A Responsibility We All Must Share,” the Family and Children’s Association (FCA) discussed the substance use crisis that permeates our communities. We were joined by an esteemed panel from FCA: CEO Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds, PhD; Family Treatment & Recovery Centers Supervisor Alexis Jenks; and Prevention Counselors Kaylee Barriga and Akerah Butler.
Together, they unpacked the multifaceted layers of substances, addiction, and how to look out for yourself and others. Dr. Reynolds gave a comprehensive lesson on the history of alcohol, weed (otherwise known as marijuana, cannabis, or pot), and opioids and their presence and impact in all communities across America. Alexis then detailed the services and opportunities that FCA offers individuals struggling with substance use in an effort to strengthen families and communities in Long Island. Connecting this topic back to our youth cohort, Kaylee and Akerah dove deeper into the detrimental impact that drugs and alcohol have on the brain and body, even when only used once.
The student participants were able to connect what they learned to their own firsthand experiences, from seeing more smoke shops to observing drug use in their school or with their friends. Participants found the speakers to be “enlightening,” and were always actively engaged. They conversed in the chat and asked thoughtful questions expanding on the history of substances and their normalization and glorification in music, the media, and pop culture. They also asked for advice, ranging from wondering how to help friends who do not realize they have an unhealthy relationship with substances or how to distance yourself from those people. Our speakers for Session II helped all of us gain a deeper understanding about weed, alcohol, and opioids and how to address this issue in their own lives!
SYLP Session III:
“TEEN SPOTLIGHT: TO AI OR NOT TO AI” – ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
Facilitator:
Ali Raza Aaser, MS, MBA
Ali Raza Aaser is a Lead Cloud Architect at Nuveen, a renowned Fintech company, and a Professor of Computer Science at Stony Brook University.
This workshop will allow students to recognize the many ways in which AI relates to everyday life and our future. Through this, they will be able to understand both its benefits and drawbacks in order to forge an informed connection to technology.
SYLP Session III Recap
By Safiya Lunat
Ending it with a bang, we concluded our informative portion of the 2024 Student Youth Leadership Program (2024) with Session III, “‘To AI or Not to AI’: Artificial Intelligence Opportunities & Challenges.” We were joined by Ali Raza Aaser, an expert on all things AI as a Lead Cloud Architect at a renowned Fintech company and adjunct professor of Computer Science.
Bringing an interactive, conversational style to the SYLP, Professor Raza used the Socratic method. Professor Raza engaged with the youth cohort by constantly asking them questions to advance their previous understandings about AI and hear their opinions on the subject matter.
Meanwhile, he discussed a plethora of information about AI, using real-world examples to relate it to participants lives. From how Professor Raza detailed the way that AI works and the different ways it is present in our society to how he teached the benefits and drawbacks of AI, students stretched their minds. They could relate his teachings to expansive topics including the implication of AI in political and military usage. From this session, the students came to appreciate and gain a deeper understanding of a topic they see––and often do not think twice about––every day. Now, we look forward to awarding scholarships to four of these intelligent and curious students in our fourth and final session, the Talent Showcase and Awards Ceremony!
Virtual Talent Showcase & Closing Award Ceremony
Award Ceremony: Announcement of winners of 4 Scholarships ($250 each).
Self-Expression: A Form of Leadership
Come Share Your Talent!
SYLP Session IV:
Special Guest Performance by Sarah Khan. She has studied violin at Juilliard School, and worked with numerous noteworthy vocal coaches, numerous bands, and as a solo performer/singer-songwriter.
