This academy is an eight-week program founded by Hall County Commissioner Ashley D. Bell and Gainesville City Councilwoman Myrtle Figueras, which focuses on "leadership, developing life skills, and bettering the Gainesville-Hall County community."
During the eight-week course, students learn from various community leaders about topics such as Hall County history, budgeting, Morality and You, civics, public speaking and more.
More than 200 parents and students attended Sunday's event.
"This is the largest amount of interest we have had in over four years," Bell said. "Our program is growing and the opportunities it has created for our graduates is becoming more well known."
Students will have the opportunity to compete for scholarships over the course of the program. YCLA will begin its first session on June 16 at 11:00 at the Beulah Rucker Museum on Athens Highway.
Last month, two Gainesville High School seniors, both members of Generation Inspiration, received full scholarships to Florida A&M University. (See earlier story.)
More than 200 people attended the reception, according to Generation Inspiration founder Ashley Bell.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/5/248329