Camp Coca Cola. The Teen Leadership Program. Wyman Leaders.
Three names, one focus: Supporting teens as they create the future they want.
Wyman Leaders began more than two decades ago as a multi-year program for teens, combining insights from experiential learning and positive youth development to create a program that fostered leadership, peer relationships, community engagement, and academic success. Since then, the name of the program has changed and aspects have evolved – but the focus has always remained on supporting teens to develop life and leadership skills, form healthy relationships, and achieve educational and career success.
In the fall of 2024 – rooted in our values of learning and results – we examined the structure behind Wyman Leaders. This program was hit hardest by the pandemic, and it became clear that the needs of the young people we serve in Wyman Leaders had changed. They still need support to equip them to achieve educational and career success, and contribute positively to their communities, but how and when they need it is different.
The Need for Wyman Leaders
The world young people are growing up in is more challenging than ever before. Teens are navigating unprecedented levels of trauma, isolation, and social disconnection – all of which contribute to a deepening mental health crisis, widening educational inequities, and a growing gap in leadership and workforce skills.
The Teen Mental Health Crisis
In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory and call to action to address the epidemic of loneliness, isolation, and social disconnection. He cited an array of negative impacts on health and well-being. Those at greatest risk include young people.
The Value of and Inequities in Postsecondary Education
By 2031, 72% of job openings will require some postsecondary education or training. However, the cost of education is often prohibitive, and educational disparities along economic and racial lines are pronounced. 70% of all bachelor’s degrees are awarded to young people whose families are in the top half of the income distribution, and 6-year bachelor’s degree completion rates are 45 points lower for low-income and first-generation students.
Exposure to Educational and Career Paths
Lack of interest in, and exposure to, educational and career possibilities present barriers for young people from under-resourced communities, particularly among those whose parents did not attend college.
Developing Life and Leadership Skills
The intentional learning of life and leadership skills is important for healthy development. It has been shown to improve social, emotional, behavioral, academic, and mental health outcomes – all of which support the achievement of educational and career goals.
Meeting the Moment for Teens
Young people want programs and experiences that offer them academic support, mentorship, opportunities for growth, and positive peer relationships.
In Wyman Leaders, teens are:
- Learning critical life and leadership skills,
- Developing supportive and lasting relationships with peers and adults,
- Building a vision for career success,
- Finding an educational and/or technical training path, and
- Gaining access to a network of resources to help them achieve success.
“I knew I wanted to go to college, but how do I go to college? My mom and dad didn’t go. So, I was grateful to have people within Wyman to get me where I need to be.” – Wyman Leaders Alum
A New Era for Wyman Leaders
Wyman Leaders is a multi-year program – 9th grade through 2 years after high school graduation – designed to equip young people to achieve educational and career success and inspire them to contribute positively to their communities.
Based on research and feedback from teens, partners, and families, Wyman Leaders is designed to offer intentional and robust year-round programming and engagement opportunities. Teens participate in developmentally appropriate and progressive programming that includes:
- 1:1 mentoring with their Wyman coach.
- Group experiences, including coaching, career and college fairs, and school visits.
- Immersive summer and school-year programming to explore strengths, set goals, design their postsecondary and career paths, and develop life and leadership skills including self-awareness, goal setting, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making.
Wyman Leaders supports teens who attend six St. Louis-area partner schools: University City High School, Hazelwood East High School, Hazelwood Central High School, Lift for Life Academy, Grand Center Arts Academy, and Central Visual & Performing Arts Academy. By focusing on these schools, we can offer school-year programming, increase program engagement and effectiveness, and deepen the level of connection between peers and coaches.
Wyman Leaders supports more than 200 students every year, and the new era officially begins in early 2026 with the Class of 2029.
The Impact of Wyman Leaders
Research shows that Wyman Leaders works – and we are continuing to build on the overall strength of the program.
Healthy Relationships and Connections
Wyman Leaders have positive, healthy relationships with their peers and adult coaches, as well as access to a network of supports.
- 100% report that their facilitators support them.
- Interviews of alumni show that participants develop lasting relationships with Wyman facilitators and peers and receive effective coaching to ensure they achieve their goals.
Educational Access and Persistence
Wyman Leaders persist on their paths and successfully navigate challenges and obstacles.
- 100% graduate from high school on time.
- 80% enroll in postsecondary education within a year of high school graduation.
- 57% of alumni who completed the program between 2006-2018 completed a degree or credential within 6 years, compared to 45% of their peers.
Understanding of Educational and Career Paths
Wyman Leaders can identify their strengths and interests and are familiar with different educational and career paths. They actively explore educational opportunities and plan for the careers they desire.
- 91% agree that program participation increased their understanding of how postsecondary education can help them achieve their career goals.
Life and Leadership Skills
Wyman Leaders develop critical skills.
- 95% report moderate to high life and leadership skills, including communication, empathy, and self-efficacy.
When you’re going through the program, you don’t really think about how the experiences are going to impact your life. But as an adult, you realize how intentional everything was. We were learning critical thinking skills, practicing how to be effective communicators, and developing leadership skills. There were so many opportunities to grow. – Brandi, Wyman Alum
Learn more and support Wyman Leaders
Since 2002, Wyman Leaders has supported more than 1,400 young people. Research and interviews with alumni show the powerful and lasting impact of this program. Providing teens with meaningful opportunities to connect with their peers and helping them identify their interests and strengths are important for their overall well-being and future success.
You can support Wyman Leaders by:
- Learning more and sharing with your networks.
- Become a Trailblazer. Trailblazers is a giving community dedicated to fueling Wyman Leaders. When you become a Trailblazer, your gift provides the reliable support that ensures we can continue high-impact experiences year after year.