Cultural Leadership, a local non-profit leadership training program for curious, courageous, change-the-world type high school sophomores and juniors, will host two information sessions from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 10 at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur and Wednesday, Oct. 12 at Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman Avenue in the Central West End. The program is open to the public.

The sessions will share information about applying to this unique youth leadership development program that is beginning its eighth year in the St. Louis region. A brief video about the program will be shown and student participants in Cultural Leadership, program staff and the founder of the program will be available to answer questions. Those attending will gain a clear understading of what is involved in this rigorous, selective program.

Cultural Leadership is an intensive yearlong program that gives high school students the tools and skills to be social justice activists – what the program calls “troublemakers of the best kind.” Their dedication to improving race relations and building communities committed to equality and inclusion lasts beyond the 12-month educational program.

The students in each class are required to attend monthly programs and retreats, complete a three-week educational journey to the East Coast and throughout the South, engage in fundraising and public-relations activities and speak publicly about the need to fight racism. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to attend parent meetings approximately every six weeks.

For information, call Cultural Leadership at 314-725-3222, email [email protected] or visit www.culturalleadership.org.