Teen Club Leadership Initiative

LEARN AND VOLUNTEER 

Ages 15 to 17

Thanks to The Latham Foundation, Charleston Animal Society is excited to launch a new program, the Teen Club Leadership Initiative, aimed at students ages 15-17.  This initiative is an elevated version of the Teen Club program. It has a more robust, career-focused curriculum, providing even greater opportunities for knowledge sharing, development of leadership skills, comprehensive training, and extensive hands-on experience in the shelter. 

The Charleston Animal Society generally requires all volunteers to be 18 or older. Upon graduation, participants gain the ability to volunteer independently, fostering personal growth and community engagement. This initiative promotes empathy, compassion, and responsible pet ownership while directly benefiting shelter animals through completing volunteer activities such as pet socialization, enrichment, cleaning, and more. Through the Teen Club Leadership Initiative, ten teens will be able to cultivate leadership skills and benefit animals in their community while supporting Charleston Animal Society’s mission and staff.

Program Details:

  • This program is comprised of sixteen two-hour lessons, focusing on career and vocational development and promoting leadership through civic engagement. 
  • Classes will meet on Tuesday afternoons from 4:15-6:15 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 Latham Foundation has 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 2024-2025: (16 sessions)

  • Sunday, January 12th Orientation (Guardians must attend the first 20 mins.)
  • Tuesday, January 14th
  • Tuesday, January 21st (Mandatory)
  • Tuesday, January 28th 
  • Tuesday, February 4th (Mandatory)
  • Tuesday, February 11th
  • Tuesday, February 18th
  • Tuesday, February 25th
  • Tuesday, March 4th
  • OPTIONAL Friday, March 14th *Surgery Day 9am-12pm
  • Tuesday, March 11th
  • Tuesday, March 18th
  • Tuesday, March 25th
  • Saturday, March 29th *Charity Market (Mandatory)
  • Tuesday, April 1st
  • Sunday, April 6th Presentations/Graduation

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