Hampton City Council spotlights Alternatives Inc. World Changers youth leadership program

Members of the Alternatives Inc. World Changers youth leadership team presented their program and recent activities during a ceremonial spotlight session of the Hampton City Council. The student speakers said World Changers, a youth-led group supported by Alternatives Inc., works to amplify student voices, provide leadership training and run prevention and outreach projects for local schools and families.

Executive Director Reagan Johnson introduced the program on behalf of Alternatives Inc. and said Alternatives was founded in 1973 and provides free programs from preschool through high school for children, youth and families in Hampton. Student members then described a range of recent and ongoing initiatives, including participation in YADAP (Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention), a Pennies to Dollars financial literacy fair, a parent nd—hild discussion called Can You Hear Us, and attendance at the CACCA national conference, where students met with state legislators and other youth leaders.

Student speakers also highlighted three projects that grew from YADAP: YourSpace, a quiet reset area at Phoebus High School for short breaks during the school day; WILAC, a youth-led alcohol awareness program planned in partnership with Newport News; and United Youth, a mentorship program at Bethel High School pairing student mentors and mentees for monthly meetings and supplemental support. Several students gave personal remarks about how the program supported their leadership development and mental-wellness strategies.

Council members and the mayor thanked the group, invited the students and staff for a photo in the council chamber and closed the brief ceremonial session. No formal council votes or policy actions were taken during this spotlight presentation.