The Pangea Network’s U.S. program, The Young Women’s Leadership Challenge (YWLC), was created in 2012 to develop the capabilities and potential of high school girls in the U.S. We believe in a world where every young woman can thrive, which is why YWLC empowers them to become confident, equipped leaders and community changemakers. YWLC is a year of activities starting with a 6-day in-person conference followed by virtual monthly meetings which include expert speaker lectures, mentoring, volunteering, trainings, and Pangea’s signature Take Action Challenge (TAC).
The Pangea Network, founded in 2005, is an international non-profit dedicated to empowering women and youth in Kenya and the United States with the knowledge, skills, and an ongoing network of support in order to achieve their dreams and make positive, life-changing contributions in the communities where they live.
Apply for YWLC by submitting an online application
Attend the YWLC Summer Conference
Create and plan your community service project which we call the Take Action Challenge (TAC) + Connect with your Mentor
Attend Fall Monthly meetings virtually + work on your TAC
Attend Spring monthly meetings virtually + complete your TAC
What
YWLC 2025-2026 is a hybrid program.
Summer Leadership Conference:
Begin YWLC by attending six days of in-person community and learning.
Mandatory Monthly Meetings:
Beginning in August, all monthly meetings are held ONLINE via zoom on the 1st Wednesday of each month, 5:30-6:30 PM CST.
Mentoring:
Each participant is assigned a mentor who helps you plan and execute your community service project (Take Action Challenge) – meetings are typically 30 min long and happen 2-4 times a semester via phone, zoom, or in-person.
Learn more about our mentors here.
Take Action Challenge:
Your project will come to life as soon as you finish the summer leadership conference, and you’ll work on it throughout the Fall and Spring semester.
When/Where
Houston Conference 1
June 23-28
Rice University
Houston Conference 2
July 14-19
Rice University
Austin Conference
July 21-26
UT Austin
St Louis Conference
July 28-Aug 2
Washington University
Who/Why
Eligibility:
YWLC is for high school girls entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year.
Community:
We are committed to creating a diverse environment for our students and cultivate a room of people from all backgrounds all over the world.
While the cost of program attendance is $500, we offer ample need-based scholarships in the amount of $475. The option to apply for a scholarship is part of the YWLC application.
Travel:
The summer conference is in-person, during the day only; if traveling, please arrange for separate overnight accommodations.
YWLC focuses on the following…
Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship
Self-Esteem & Body Image
Local & Global Career Exploration
Service Learning & Social & Emotional Intelligence
Global Issues, Conflict Resolution, Media Literacy & Human Rights
Financial Literacy / Social Etiquette
Our Speakers
YWLC finds the best speakers to empower you on your journey to being the best version of yourself…. from all walks of life and the world’s most important organizations you get exclusive access to women who share their stories so you can learn and grow on your own path. Check out our speakers who are all inspiring role models and mentors throughout the year at YWLC.
You will have the opportunity to create, plan, and execute a community service project which we call the Take Action Challenge (TAC)! Click here to get inspired by our alumni TAC projects
In addition to the Fall and Spring workshops, we have monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of every month.
Each student is paired with a mentor who helps them develop their TAC project. Click here to learn about our amazing mentors.
Quotes from our participants
“My time at YWLC was life-changing. Before going, I didn’t think that I had the potential to become a great leader, but now I feel more confident with myself.”
“My time at YWLC was an experience that not only opened my eyes to how I can make an impact in my community and globally, but also to how I can further appreciate my strengths and skills and how I apply them to my everyday life.”
“The most valuable thing I learned at YWLC was to truly pursue your passion and be your own leader – just because the majority of people are doing one thing, doesn’t mean you have to follow it or believe that that is the right path.”
Our Impact
“It’s important to realize that anyone can make an impact in their community“
– 2024 Alumna
“I don’t know everything, but I can learn anything“
– 2024 Alumna
