Know a Great High School Student? Check Out Youth Becoming Leaders!
Our world needs strong, faithful leaders – and we believe high school students can be exactly that. At Asbury University, we see the potential in young people who are already leading in their churches, seeking to grow closer to God, and wondering what He has for their future.
Youth Becoming Leaders (YBL): High School Christian Leadership and Global Transformation Institute exists to equip those students. Through meaningful interaction with AU and ATS faculty, students explore challenging topics related to Scripture, theology, and the life of the Church. Combined with a vibrant Christian community, classroom learning, service projects, hands-on experiences, and mentorship, YBL helps young leaders take confident next steps in following Christ.
As God works in their lives, YBL alumni return home ready to serve. Students leave the program with a broader vision for leadership in their communities and churches and with a deeper understanding of who God has created them to be. YBL counselor Hope Odubena shared, “I have faith in this generation because at YBL I saw their incredible gifts, knowledge, and most importantly, love for God.”
YBL 2025 featured teaching from ATS staff Jay Mansur and ATS faculty Dr. Jonathan Powers, Dr. James Hampton (Practical Theology), and Dr. Jay Moon, along with AU faculty Dr. Brian Hull (Christian Ministries), Dr. Julianne Burnett (Bible), Zach Massengale (Theology), and Prof. Caleigh Smith (Youth Ministry). Participants also engaged in meaningful service with Lord’s Legacy, a local ministry partner.
Mentoring is a key component of YBL. Each student selects a mentor from their home community, and both mentors and students receive training before and during the 10-day program. After YBL concludes, students continue meeting with their mentors for three months using YBL-provided curriculum to help them apply what they learned.
Students also design and launch a ministry project in partnership with their local church. Past projects have included student-led Bible studies, worship nights, horseback-riding ministry, clothing and food drives, and various community outreaches.
In 2025, YBL launched Leadership Fellows, a program for returning YBL participants who want to continue their leadership development. Leadership Fellows grow alongside counselors and first-year students through additional training, mentorship, and service.
The theme for YBL 2026 is “Response” from Luke 1:26-38 and 46-55. The program will take place June 8-17, 2026, and applications are due March 10, 2026.
High school students, parents, youth leaders, and pastors are invited to learn more, recommend a student, or apply at asbury.edu/ybl.
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