Introducing: YSS LEAD

YSS LEAD is the winter retreat counterpart to our long-time Labor Day Weekend retreat program. YSS LEAD is an application-only leadership development program aimed at helping our youth leaders empower themselves and their communities. Throughout the weekend, youth leaders participate in team-building activities, leadership seminars, and build relationships with their peers and honored mentors with leadership experience within the community. Space in this program is selective and limited, requiring both a writing application and panel interview to be offered an invitation to attend.

Stay tuned on our Instagram for an announcement when 2025 applications open up!

Program Goals

We believe that by providing high achieving young Muslims with mentorship, professional development opportunities, and a supportive network, they will be empowered to become effective leaders within their communities and in broader society. By investing in the mentorship and professional development of young Muslims, YSS LEAD aims to cultivate a generation of empowered leaders who are equipped to positively influence their communities and society at large. Our program is designed around the following goals:
  1. Identifying and Selecting High Achieving Young Muslims: YSS LEAD aims to identify and select young Muslims who have demonstrated high academic achievement and leadership potential. The process is achieved through live panel interviews and comprehensive applications aimed at analyzing a youth’s leadership and professional trajectory in a holistic manner.
  2. Pairing with Mentors and Professionals: The program pairs these young individuals with mentors and professionals who have experience in their fields of interest. These mentors serve as guides, offering insights and support based on their own experiences. It is the hope that the intimate time spent with both mentors and professional consultants will lead to long-term professional connections outside the scope of the program alone.
  3. Professional Development and Leadership Training: Through professionally oriented cohorts and enrichment sessions facilitated by mentors and established professionals (VIPs), participants receive training in various aspects of professional development, leadership skills, and career planning.
  4. Renewed Commitment to Leadership: Participants are expected to develop a renewed sense of commitment to leadership within and outside their Muslim community. They are encouraged to take on leadership roles and make positive contributions to society.
  5. Building a Professional Network: YSS LEAD facilitates the development of a strong professional network among participants and mentors. This network provides ongoing support, opportunities for collaboration, and access to resources beyond the duration of the program.
  6. Measurable Outcomes: The program aims to achieve measurable outcomes, including increased leadership capacity, clarity in career goals, and a sense of responsibility as representatives of their faith in professional settings. This will be communicated through verbal action plans and quantitative posterior ratings.
hosted by Rahma Center 
FEDERAL TAX ID: 85-3255194