Legacy Youth Leadership Program

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Legacy Youth Leadership Program

A transformative leadership program for high school students based on Birmingham’s civil rights legacy.

Building the Next Generation of Civic Leaders

What is LYLP?

The Legacy Youth Leadership Program (LYLP) transforms Birmingham’s civil rights history into a hands-on learning and leadership experience for high school students across Jefferson County. Through immersive education and public engagement, students strengthen their understanding of the past while developing the confidence and skills to lead in the present.

Each year, LYLP participants train as youth docents, guiding tours of the BCRI galleries and Kelly Ingram Park for visitors from around the world. Since 2007, the program has served as a national model for how museums and communities can invest in the leaders of tomorrow.

Program Pillars

  • Youth Docents: Students lead public tours and interpret civil rights history with clarity and confidence.
  • Place-Based Learning: Birmingham’s historic sites become immersive classrooms.
  • Bridging Communities: Diverse student cohorts connect students from different backgrounds and lived experiences.
  • Personal Development: Youth grow in communication, leadership, and civic awareness.
  • Continued Legacy: Alumni return as mentors, volunteers, and peer educators.

The LYLP program was an integral part of strengthening my presentation and public speaking skills, created a meaningful community amongst kids in the same cohort, and provided a needed perspective to approach movements and issues happening in the world today.

JUHI ARORA \\ LYLP CLASS OF 2021

BECOME A SPONSOR

Your support helps ensure every student can participate fully in LYLP without financial barriers, and receive a stipend for their work as youth docents. It also strengthens alumni mentorship that keeps students connected beyond the program year.

Ready to support the next generation of leaders? Complete the interest form to get started.

Legacy Youth Leadership Program Sponsor

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The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will reopen on May 27, 2026 at noon.

This brief delayed opening will allow staff and vendors time to complete final preparations for safe public access to the building. Thank you again for your patience, support, and understanding throughout this process. We look forward to welcoming visitors back today.