%20(Logo).png)
20 Years of Student Leadership- BVYLA Celebrates Its 20th Annual Culmination
- jgonzalez549
- May 5
- 2 min read
This spring, the Blackstone Valley Youth Leadership Academy (BVYLA) marks a major milestone: 20 years of student leadership across the Valley.
Launched in 2004 by the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation, BVYLA was founded on a simple but powerful idea: that students, when given tools, guidance, and opportunity, can lead real change in their communities.
"Nicholas A. Cordts applied for admission to the program because, he said, "I wanted to go after something that involved leadership and public speaking. I'm interested in business and entrepreneurship fields." Nicholas came up with the project of clearing brush and doing maintenance work at Children's Haven, a camp in Douglas for inner-city children, and contacted the camp's director, Ann E. Roon, to serve as his mentor. Ms. Roon said she was skeptical when she first got the call from Nicholas, but her impression changed. "As a person who works with teens, I was impressed with his ability to round up 30 teens for five hours. It saved us thousands of dollars," she said. "I can tell the academy is really good for teaching leadership. A project like this is a huge thing for a nonprofit."
-Worcester Telegram & Gazette, May 27, 2010
Since then, BVYLA has grown into a signature program serving 7th -10th-grade students across 15 districts, with over 400 alumni who’ve carried their leadership into schools, workplaces, and public service.
On May 17, 2025, we’ll celebrate the 20th Annual BVYLA Culmination, where this year’s student cohort will present their team projects and reflect on the growth they’ve experienced through months of workshops, site visits, and community engagement.
“Before I was a part of this organization, I never had run a project of my own or led a group of people. This experience allowed me to take the initiative in conducting a project.” - Abigail Colombo, BVYLA Graduate, 2014
Leadership in Action
Each BVYLA student takes part in a yearlong experience designed to build confidence, communication skills, and civic awareness. From defining personal leadership styles to developing and presenting a real-world community project, the program gives students space to grow and lead on their own terms.
“I learned that it is important to do as many projects as possible and stay dedicated. It made me realize that when you are a leader, it is still important to do many things to keep your leadership position. Mr. Gaudette had many things he was doing in addition to leading a business. I can see myself applying this information to high school so I have many things on my college application.”
-Lily, Grade 9, BVYLA Student 2025
Join Us in Celebration
We invite educators, families, community leaders, and alumni to join us at this year’s culmination to honor our students and the partners who’ve supported their growth.
Saturday, May 17, 20259:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Great Hall @ Northbridge Town Hall
Open to the public. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
RSVP Here
Here’s to 20 years of student-led change and the next generation of leaders already rising.
Learn more at: www.bveducationfoundation.org/bvyla-1