Contact:
Kimberli Meadows, Points of Light Foundation
(w) 202-729-3238/(c) 202-841-4730
KMeadows@pointsoflight.org

POINTS OF LIGHT ANNOUNCES YOUTH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

(Washington, DC - June 7, 2004) — The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network announced today that it has full ownership of the former Prudential Youth Leadership Institute. The program has been renamed the Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute (PYLI).

"Transferring the program to Points of Light Foundation will ensure that the program continues to expand and maintain its high quality for many years to come," said Scott Peterson, Executive Director of The Prudential Spirit of Community Initiative. "With its strong commitment and expertise in the field of youth service, The Foundation is uniquely positioned to extend the success of a program that has already helped develop thousands of young leaders across the country."

The Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute is a program that provides high school students with encouragement, peer networks and leadership skills necessary for them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and begin a life-long journey of leadership and service. The program was originally created by Prudential Financial in 1995 and developed with funding from the Prudential Foundation as part of The Prudential Spirit of Community Initiative, which promotes community involvement by young people. With Prudential's support, over 1,500 people have become certified trainers, who have provided thousands of young people with a broad array of leadership skills and the ability and desire to contribute to their communities through meaningful service.

"We are honored to continue this model program for communities seeking to inspire youth to succeed through leadership and service skills," said Robert K. Goodwin, president and chief executive officer of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network. “Our strategy for expanding the PYLI program includes engaging more community partners and creating additional initiatives to increase the program's impact across the country."

Currently, trainers are delivering the program to youth in 48 states connected through schools, community-based organizations including Volunteer Centers, faith-based groups, and local governments.