One of the main reasons for the excellent quality of life in the Miami Valley is quality of leadership and involvement of its residents, /the purpose of the YMCA Junior Leadership Dayton Program is to prepare today's youth for future leadership roles within the community and increase the quality and quantity of men and women capable of accepting leadership roles in various community organizations. Participants are exposed to a variety of social and economic issues and opportunities facing the Miami Valley. The goal is to develop a source of informed, civic-oriented leaders interested in directing the future of the Miami Valley.

The program consists of seven (7) full-day sessions held one day per month from September through April. The program also includes an orientation, two retreats, and a graduation. Each session, held at various community locations, focuses on selected topics representing key leadership skill areas. During each session, participants are introduced to issues by means of lectures, on-site visits, group discussions and simulations. In each case, the program is designed to address specific topics rather than vague concepts.

There are 56 students from 23 area high schools participating in the 2007-2008 program year. Participants are selected through an interview process in the spring of their sophomore year. Considered "diamonds in the rough"; participants must be motivated and committed to becoming a leader in the community. One required element of the leadership program is development of a community service project within assigned groups as the program progresses. Three (3) college credit hours from Wright State University are received upon completion of the program.