JOIN THE LEVEL UP LEADERSHIP PILOT PROGRAM
WHAT IS THE LEVEL UP LEADERSHIP PROGRAM?
What is it?
The Better Without It® Level Up Leadership Program is a student-led initiative designed to help young people build confidence, connection, and purpose through real-world activities.
With an adult advisor, each participating school or youth organization (e.g., YMCAs, Boys & Girls Club, Junior Achievement, etc.) selects a group of students or members to lead activities tied to one or more of the 5 Cs of Positive Youth Development— creating experiences for the student body/organization that are both meaningful and fun.
Youth take the lead by designing, pitching, and bringing their ideas to life, giving them real ownership over the impact they create at their school.
What participation looks like
When you join the Better Without It® Level Up Leadership Program, you commit to :
- Selecting a student-led group (2–3 leaders minimum)
- Assigning an adult advisor
- Designing and pitching your activity concept for approval
- Completing the chosen activity(s) within your proposed timeframe
- Capturing photos
- Creating a video featuring the event (student-produced)
- Submitting event content/surveys within 2 weeks of the event
- Ensure releases are completed and maintained
- Ensure all materials are submitted by the final deadline
Better Without It® will provide
- Branded toolkit and materials
- Activity guidance
- Content prompts
- A microgrant to help fund your idea
- Tablecloth x1
- Pop-up banner x1
- Stress balls, pens, beanie hats, t-shirts, note cards, and journals for up to 20 students
Why join the Level Up Leadership program?
Through the Level Up Leadership Program, your youth club, group, or organization will:
- Take the lead on real initiatives
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Strengthen youth culture and connections
- Create something they’re genuinely proud of
At the same time, your school club, group, or youth organization gains a program that is :
- Easy to implement
- Flexible to your needs
- Aligned with youth development best practices
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY PILOT PROGRAM
Five schools or youth-serving organizations will be selected as participants for the first year of this pilot program (2026-2027). Ten organizations will be selected for the second year of the program (2027-28). If you aren’t selected for the pilot program but still complete a stakeholder training, your organization may be eligible for an activity toolkit so that you can bring Better Without It® to your community.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Fill out the interest form below
- Watch the overview video
- Complete the application
- Selected pilot program participants will then be asked to submit their proposed projects and complete a budget worksheet