Leadership isn’t about being the loudest: what our Fellows learned

This summer, a new cohort of high school students spent six weeks in Coro California’s Youth Fellows Program, a hands-on summer youth leadership program based in Los Angeles that prepares rising juniors and seniors to lead with confidence in their schools and communities. Fellows split their time between leadership seminars, explorations into how LA institutions actually work, cohort-led Focus Days on real civic challenges, and internship placements at local organizations across the city. Meet this year’s cohort.

Along the way, they built communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills, gained firsthand exposure to public service and civic life, and connected with mentors from Coro’s 15,000+ alumni network. At the end of the program, we asked our Fellows to reflect on everything they learned and complete one prompt: “Because of this experience, I now believe leadership means…” Here’s some of what they told us.

“Leadership means…” In our Fellows’ own words

We weren’t able to gather reflections from every Fellow in this summer’s cohort, but the responses below capture the range of ways this experience shaped how they think about leadership.

Being the person who is available, collaborative, and powerful. A role anyone can embody and personify without being the loudest, but by taking initiative.

Bringing in your community, inclusivity, being a representative for all, reading your audience, maintaining adaptability, and being open to new knowledge.

Co-existing with other leaders and stepping up with them rather than stepping down in order to make more room for others. Coming into Coro, I made it my mission to continue to stand and coexist with my peers as a team. “You’ll take out as much as you put in;” actively seek out new experiences, even if (and especially if) they make you uncomfortable.

Not being the loudest or strongest voice in the group. I believe it’s about inclusion and making all voices heard and all perspectives seen.

To go into conversation open-minded and having the ability to make everyone feel seen, reading the room, and maintaining individuality while knowing how to adjust to opposition and discomfort.

Understanding that being a leader does not mean that you need to know everything. It means that you are willing to learn in order to help the ones who rely on you to succeed. Being able to have a healthy debate without being hostile, and being able to help others step up with you. Staying true to yourself and guiding with care–working with the people to help the people, and don’t let the title blind you from the people who put you there. Don’t give up–all goals take time!

Having the self-assurance to take on the unknown, especially when you have to learn along the way, to inspire others to follow.

Knowing your audience and the people you work with.

Thank you to our 2026 Youth Fellows Program partners

None of this would be possible without the organizations that opened their doors to give our Fellows real, hands-on experience. Thank you to this summer’s internship placement partners:

• Central City Neighborhood Partners
• City of LA Department of Cultural Affairs
• City of LA Youth Development Department
• Estolano Advisors
• Gensler
• LA County Dept of Military and Veterans Affairs
• Los Angeles Walks
• Metropolitan Water District

Their willingness to mentor and invest in the next generation of leaders made this summer possible for every Fellow above.

Inside Coro’s summer youth leadership program in Los Angeles

Unlike a typical summer job or volunteer stint, the Youth Fellows Program is designed to put students directly inside the systems that shape their city. Fellows are placed with internship host organizations spanning sectors, where they take on real responsibilities alongside working professionals. Paired with daily leadership seminars and small-group Focus Days, the program pushes Fellows to practice leadership skills that will prepare them for the future.

By the end of the program, Fellows leave with more than a line on a college application. They walk away with practical skills in communication and facilitation, a sharper understanding of how local government and civic institutions operate, and relationships with mentors and peers who will remain part of their network well after the summer ends. Just as importantly, many leave with a redefined sense of what leadership actually looks like—less about title or volume, and more about showing up for the people around them.

Learn more about Coro’s summer youth leadership program in Los Angeles

Every summer, Coro California’s Youth Fellows Program helps high school students across Los Angeles build leadership skills, gain real-world experience, and rethink what leadership can look like. If you’re a student, parent, or educator interested in learning more about this summer youth leadership program, explore the Youth Fellows Program to see how to get involved.

Schedule a call with our team to learn more about the program.

Learn more about Coro California’s leadership development programs.