Atlanta Nonprofit Drives Civic Empowerment in Youth with Service-Learning Program
Atlanta, GA: Pebble Tossers Inc., Metro Atlanta’s leading youth service-learning nonprofit, has opened applications for middle school students to join its third Middle Years Leadership Program (MYLP) cohort, launching January 9, 2027. The four-month program blends hands-on community service with leadership development to cultivate civic empowerment, growth mindset, empathy, and peer collaboration.
● Application Period: October 1 – December 11, 2026
● Program Runtime: January 9, 2027 – April 17, 2026
● Program Fee: $225 per student, with financial aid available
A counterpart program of Pebble Tossers’ Teen Leadership Program (TLP), the MYLP gives middle school students a dynamic service-learning experience through bi-weekly meetings and a student-led group service project. By engaging youth during a key stage of development, the program encourages them to explore causes they care about and build habits of lifelong community leadership.
“Middle school is that formative window where youth start figuring out who they are, what they care about, and what values matter to them,” said Jonathan Gosse, Executive Director of Pebble Tossers. “The MYLP gives middle schoolers solid ground to find their footing. It’s a place where they can speak up, work through real challenges alongside peers, and realize they don’t have to wait to make a difference. I’m excited to see where the upcoming cohort takes their passion for change.”
“Before MYLP, I thought leaders were just the people in charge,” said Adaora Nwaehi, member of the inaugural MYLP cohort. “Now I know leaders are people who take action and get others involved. When I was at the shelter project, I felt like a leader because I was speaking up about adoption and why it matters. That made me see that kids can lead, too.”
The MYLP will welcome 20 students into the 2027 cohort. The program fee is $225 per student. Need-based financial aid is available so that cost is never a barrier to participation. For more information and to apply, please visit our website.
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About Pebble Tossers
Pebble Tossers is Metro Atlanta’s leading youth service-learning nonprofit organization focused on providing families with a comprehensive path to youth development through service, from preschool to graduation. Customized programming empowers youth to lead by providing age-appropriate service opportunities infused with a unique service-learning curriculum focused on social-emotional learning, positive youth development, social justice, and positive psychology. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to create a ripple of giving in their community. For more information, visit www.pebbletossers.org.
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