Several local United Way agencies want Wake County eighth through twelfth graders to apply to the YouTHRIVEAcademy. Applications have to arrive by Friday, Dec. 16.

This year the 25 participants will serve on the working action teams and learn skills to help them in school, according to a representative with YouTHRIVE, United Way of the Greater Triangle.

Anyone interested in applying this year should check with the school, send an email Rrennels@UnitedWayTriangle or call 463-5039.

The program focuses on strengthening the positive attributes that enable young people to be fully prepared for success in school, work and life. It values the perspective of youth.

One of the major activities of YouTHRIVE is a Youth Leadership Academy designed for middle and high school students. Each year the group selects 25 Wake County applicants who participate in a year-long leadership academy.

Students serve on working action teams of YouTHRIVE, learn to compile and analyze data, build consensus regarding priorities, learn about advocacy, plan and implement advocacy and service strategies related to a signature priority and evaluate and report impact. Academy participants will also plan and implement an Annual Summit related to their signature project involving at least 100 youth.

Completed applications should be mailed to Robin Rennells, Administrative Assistant, at: Robin Rennells YouTHRIVE United Way of the Greater Triangle P.O. Box 110387 Research Triangle Park, NC 27707-5387. Call 463-5039 for more information.