Teen Club Leadership Initiative

LEARN AND VOLUNTEER 

Ages 15 to 17

Thanks to the Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation and the Post and Courier, Charleston Animal Society is pleased to offer FULL scholarships to all accepted Teen Club members for the 2026 Teen Club Leadership Initiative. This program, 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 completing the course successfully. 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:

  • This program includes 14 classes that focus on career and vocational development while promoting leadership through civic engagement.
  • Classes will meet on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, unless otherwise stated in the schedule.
  • To achieve volunteer status, you must attend each mandatory animal handling meeting, and you are allowed no more than three absences.
  • The Henry and Sylvia Yaschick Foundation and the Post and Courier have generously covered the program fee (a $450 scholarship) for all selected applicants. 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 December 2nd. Applicants will not be notified of acceptance until the week of December 9th.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 

To graduate from the program, participants must complete: 

  • 5-8 minute oral presentation
  • 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 the privilege of volunteering.

PROGRAM DATES for 2026: (14 sessions)

  • Tuesday, January 13th Orientation (A guardian must attend the first 20 mins.)
  • Tuesday, January 20th
  • Tuesday, January 27th (Mandatory)
  • Tuesday, February 3rd 
  • Tuesday, February 10th (Mandatory)
  • Tuesday, February 17th
  • Tuesday, February 24th
  • Tuesday, March 3rd
  • Tuesday, March 10th 
  • Monday, March 16th, OPTIONAL* Surgery Day 9am-12pm
  • Saturday, March 21st  *Service Project: Charity Market (Mandatory)
  • Tuesday, March 24th
  • Tuesday, March 31st
  • Sunday, April 12th Final Presentation/Graduation

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