The Library’s Youth Leadership Program (offered in partnership with Toastmasters), offers teens ages 14–18 an opportunity to develop public-speaking potential.
The Youth Leadership Program (YLP) is designed as an eight-session, workshop-style program which enables teen participants ages 14–18 the opportunity to develop public speaking potential through practical experience and guidance from professionals and practiced speakers. Over the course of eight meetings, the club members will have a chance to work on various aspects of public speaking and leadership. Each meeting features a speech and lesson from a member of one of the Toastmasters groups in Paris. Teen club members will each give two original speeches throughout the year, and will serve a role in the club (President, Vice President, Secretary, etc.). During these meetings, friendly, constructive encouragement and feedback will be given to members from the Toastmasters and fellow teen club members.
The YLP is led by the teen participants themselves with the guidance and support of Toastmasters from several groups in the Paris area and the American Library in Paris’ Children and Teens Services Manager and the Toastmasters Coordinator (for the 2025–2026 YLP: Carine Baptiste). Toastmasters participate at each meeting to coach and help evaluate.
Applications for the 2025–2026 Youth Leadership Program will be open through 31 July 2025. Teens between the ages of 14–18 are welcome to apply. Space is not guaranteed, and only a limited number of teens will be selected. Applications are screened by the Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager and the Toastmasters Coordinators. All applicants will be notified about the status of their application by the end of August.
