The YPP recruits a cross section of youth who represent a variety of interests, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds and have the desire to learn leadership skills. Those selected for YPP sign an individualized learning contract with the staff, which is a formal statement of the goals the youth hopes to achieve during the program year. The training consists of seven 1-day seminars and two 3-day seminars, followed by inservice training. The seminars cover such topics as parliamentary procedure, assertiveness training, public speaking, systems negotiation, youth-adult partnership, and effective communication skills. An apprenticeship is served by working with adults on a Youth Board planning committee. YPP graduates then serve on committees of the Youth Board and its contract agencies. Ongoing peer and staff support is provided to facilitate adjustment and the resolution of problems that arise. Appended training materials and seminar outlines and 14 selected readings.