Through the Department of Justice OJP Juvenile Justice Account. The Methodist University Youth Leadership Training Program targets at-risk and gifted low- to moderate-income youth in grades six through eight to participate in a four-week residential summer program that includes exploration of leadership themes, concepts, techniques, and practices as well as interacting one-on-one with effective leadership experts in government, business, education, sports, religious groups, and not-for-profit organizations. The program will focus on specific topics such as academics, life skills, decision making skills, coping strategies, leadership, and community stewardship. The students will also participate in a civic project on campus or in the community. Methodist University students will serve as role models and provide the opportunity for accountability, support, and leadership development. Nationally, research indicates that many middle and high school-age youth are growing up in at-risk environments (prevalence of gangs, drug use, lack of family and/or community support) which can lead to poor performance in school and participation in activities which result in incarceration.