Certification
Individuals who would like to bring The Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute to their communities, must become Certified Trainers in order to utilize the curriculum. Individuals must attend a 3 day training seminar where they will learn how to deliver the curriculum, and successfully implement the Institute. National Training Seminars are held four times a year at various locations throughout the country. In addition to National Seminars, we can also conduct Contract Training Seminars for specific organizations or communities. If you are interested in receiving information on how you can host a Contract Training Seminar please send us an e-mail at pyli@pointsoflight.org.

The PYLI Train-the-Trainer program is currently on hiatus. Please check back for upcoming dates.

Once certified, individuals become part of a national network of talented and experienced professionals who are committed to making a difference in their communities. The Institute's national partners wish to help foster the important information sharing and best practices that must take place in order to make the Institutes across the country as successful as possible. This is done through the following vehicles:

Technical Assistance
The Points of Light Foundation is available by phone at 202-729-8151 or email at PYLI@PointsofLight.org for general questions, brainstorming, strategizing, etc.

Listserv
The Institute trainer listserv has been set up for easy and frequent communications between trainers. In addition, a listserv for the students who graduate from the Institute enables them to connect with other community-minded young people around the country.

Quarterly Mailings
A quarterly mailing of Young Heroes magazine is sent to all trainers with information and national news about youth service and leadership programs.

Program Materials
Thirty full-color graduation certificates are provided to certified trainers at no cost (except for shipping) for each Institute conducted. Additional program materials, including t-shirts and Student Workbooks, are available for purchase by certified trainers.

Program Requirements
In order to maintain the quality and integrity of the program throughout the country, the following requirements have been created for Certified Trainers:

• Only individuals who attend a "train-the-trainer" seminar are authorized to conduct the Institute. In addition, certified trainers are required to select at least one individual (this person does not have to be a certified trainer) to assist in implementing the Institute and teaching the curriculum.
• Conduct at least one Institute within one year of certification
• Attempt to conduct at least one Institute each calendar year thereafter
• Conduct the curriculum training in no less than 30 hours
• Complete either a one-day, short-term or long-term service project with the students
• Conduct an official graduation ceremony for the students
• Recruit a diverse group of 15-30 high school age participants
• Develop a community advisory council or planning group
• Conduct a media and community relations campaign to promote the launch of the program, the service project and the graduation ceremony
• Utilize the complete name of "The Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute" in all promotional and programmatic materials