The Federal Way Chamber of Commerce’s Advancing Leadership Youth (ALY) program has two new sponsors for the 2010-11 year.

ALY was awarded a $10,000 Starbucks Shared Planet Youth Action Grant as part of the coffee company’s goal to engage 50,000 young people to innovate and take action in their communities by 2015.

In addition to the grant, local Starbucks employees will contribute volunteer time to help the ALY 2011 class plan and implement its team project, “One Day Federal Way.” The project seeks to establish one day a year in which residents volunteer to serve their city.

Umpqua Bank has become the newest corporate sponsor, contributing $2,500 to the program. ALY aligns with Umpqua’s community giving goal of supporting youth development and education. Umpqua Bank is also sending Vice President Business Relationship Manager Marty Markey through the Advancing Leadership 2010-11 adult program.

Comcast Cable and Federal Way Public Schools, both ALY partners since the program’s inception in 2004, will continue to support the ALY 2011 class.

Advancing Leadership Youth (ALY) is the teen version of the Advancing Leadership adult program. ALY brings together teens from all over Federal Way for a comprehensive community experience. Students graduate from the program ready to take their places within the new generation of leaders. The program seeks to nurture and develop positive leadership attributes in Federal Way area high school students, to drive change in their communities. 

To learn more, contact Teri Hickel at terih@federalwaychamber.com or (253) 528-0846.

Watch a video about project ideas for ALY’s class of 2011: