Tucson Youth Leadership Academy (TYLA)

The Tucson Youth Leadership Academy (TYLA) is a transformative leadership and career readiness program designed to empower high school students in Title I schools across Pima County. A partnership between Greater Tucson Leadership and the Pima County Schools Superintendent’s Office, TYLA provides students with hands-on experiences that develop leadership skills, explore career pathways, and build meaningful connections with local industry professionals.

Through a dynamic 30-hour curriculum, students engage in the Gallup Strengths Quest Program, the Myers-Briggs Strong Interest Survey, interactive leadership development workshops, and industry-led panel discussions. A key component of the program is an eight-hour job shadow experience, where students gain real-world exposure in fields such as Aerospace, Engineering, Healthcare, Law, and Business. These experiences help bridge the gap between education and the workforce, ensuring students are prepared for the future.

Since its launch in 2022, TYLA has successfully graduated 127 students, with over 90% of participants reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities. The program's impact extends beyond the classroom—87% of alumni say TYLA helped them refine their career interests, while 92% feel more prepared to pursue higher education or enter the workforce. By removing financial barriers, including providing stipends for student participation, transportation, and meals, TYLA ensures all students have the opportunity to thrive.

TYLA is a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO), meaning donations directly support student success and can be claimed as a dollar-for-dollar credit on Arizona state taxes (QCO Code: 22761). Community support is vital to sustaining and expanding TYLA’s reach, ensuring more students can benefit from leadership training and career exploration.

By investing in TYLA, we are building Tucson’s future workforce, strengthening leadership pipelines, and creating a community where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Learn more, get involved, or sponsor a student today!