West Hartford Youth Leadership Academy Registration Now Open

Registration is officially open for the third annual Youth Leadership Academy, scheduled to take place at West Hartford Town Hall on November 13, 2026, we-ha.com reported.

Operating under the theme “Learn to Lead. Be Ready to Help,” the day-long immersive event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. It is organized by the West Hartford Prevention Partnership for West Hartford high school students.

Attendees will participate in interactive workshops covering mental health, substance use prevention, wellness, recovery, and youth leadership. Training sessions will address specific topics including AI and teen mental health, teen dating violence, and an overview of cannabis and vaping.

“This Academy is an incredible opportunity for students to discover the power of their own voices and the impact they can have on their community,” said West Hartford Prevention Coordinator Gretchen Levitz, according to we-ha.com.

“Students will engage in interactive workshops on topics including AI and teen mental health, teen dating violence, an overview of cannabis and vaping, and training in life saving interventions, including opioid overdose awareness and naloxone.”

Students will also receive instruction in life-saving interventions, including opioid overdose awareness and naloxone. The curriculum is designed to give participants practical skills to support their peers and promote healthy school communities.

“We want young people to understand the challenges that face them and how to become advocates for positive change,” Levitz told we-ha.com. “Their ideas, perspectives and leadership matter right now and it all starts with understanding the risks and educating them so they can impact others.”

The event kicks off with a welcome address from West Hartford School Superintendent Paul Vicinus Jr. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided.

Sponsors for the academy include the West Hartford Prevention Partnership in collaboration with West Hartford Public Schools, the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District, Amplify, NAMI, Mandell JCC, Hartford Interval House, DT Cares, the West Hartford Department of Emergency Management, Youth Recovery CT, and the West Hartford Department of Social Services.

The greater hartford youth leadership academy policy brief

Space at the Town Hall Auditorium, located at 50 South Main Street, is limited. Registration is required and can be completed online via the West Hartford Youth Leadership Academy registration link.

The event concludes with the presentation of certificates and other takeaways for participating students. Further information is available by contacting Barbara Thomas via email.

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