Teen Club Leadership Initiative

LEARN AND VOLUNTEER 

Ages 15 to 17

The Teen Club Leadership Initiative is designed for students aged 15-17, features a comprehensive, career-focused curriculum, and provides enhanced opportunities for knowledge sharing, leadership growth, thorough training, and extensive hands-on experience at the shelter.

The Charleston Animal Society typically requires volunteers to be 18 years or older. However, graduates of this program can volunteer independently after successfully completing the course. Participants help shelter animals through various activities, including socialization, enrichment, cleaning, dog walking, and more. The Teen Club Leadership Initiative encourages teens to build leadership skills such as communication, critical thinking, and civic-mindedness while supporting the organization’s mission and helping animals.

Program Details:

  • Program Overview: This program includes 14 classes focused on career and vocational development, promoting leadership through civic engagement via hands-on activities and classroom instruction. 
  • Class Schedule: Classes will meet primarily on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, unless otherwise noted. Please carefully review the schedule below before applying to the program to ensure compliance with the attendance requirements.
  • Attendance Requirement: To achieve volunteer status, you must attend all mandatory animal handling meetings. In addition, you may miss no more than three other meetings.
  • Program Cost: The $450 program fee has been waived for all selected applicants, thanks to a generous funder. Participants who do not complete the program may be asked to reimburse the cost.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Application deadline: Applications must be received by 12 p.m. on October 15th. Applicants will not be notified of acceptance until the week of November 1st.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 

To graduate from the program, participants must: 

  • Deliver a 5-8 minute presentation
  • Support the shelter through a service project
  • Adhere to the attendance policy
  • Pass written tests & hands-on demonstrations of safe animal handling
  • Complete weekly reflection journal assignments

Note: Attendance alone does not guarantee volunteer status. Participants must meet all requirements listed above to become a volunteer. After graduation, students must regularly volunteer to maintain their privilege to volunteer.

PROGRAM DATES for 2027 graduating class: (14 sessions)

  • Sunday,  December 6th, 3-5 pm: Orientation (A guardian must attend the first 20 mins.)
  • Tuesday, December 8th, 4:30-6:30 pm (Mandatory)
  • Tuesday, December 15th, 4:30-6:30pm
  • Monday, January 4th, 9:30-11:30 am (Optional) Surgery Day 
  • Tuesday, January 12th, 4:30-6:30 pm (Mandatory)
  • Tuesday, January 26th, 4:30-6:30 pm(Mandatory)
  • Tuesday, February 2nd, 4:30-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday, February 9th, 4:30-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday, February 23rd, 4:30-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday, March 2nd, 4:30-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday, March 16th, 4:30-6:30 pm
  • Saturday, March 20th, 10 am – 4 pm *Service Project: Charity Market (Mandatory Event)
  • Tuesday, March 23rd, 4:30- 6:30 pm
  • Sunday, April 4th, 3 – 5 pm Final Presentation/Graduation

If you have questions about Teen Club Leadership Initiative, please contact Heather Grogan at [email protected].