Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy

COVID-19 Impact – Summer 2021 (updated February 10, 2021)

The City of Tallahassee is very pleased to offer the Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy (TFLA) during Summer 2021!

In 2020, TFLA was modified for COVID-19 as a completely virtual program, and the City of Tallahassee was acknowledged by the U.S.Conference of Mayors for TFLA’s innovative program.

Summer 2021 will again require modification due to the pandemic; however some activities will be held in person, socially distanced, primarily outdoors, and using COVID precautions. Other learning and experiences will be remote, using a combination of whole group and small group meetings and learning, as well as independent, individual learning (virtually and in the community). More information on Summer 2021 is available below.

What is the Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy (TFLA)?

The Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy (TFLA) is a premier youth leadership program led by the Department of Community Services, with support and help from a variety of individuals and organizations vested in the development and success of Tallahassee youth. Teens work while also learning, growing, and gaining skills and certification related to the 7 TFLA Pillars.

The TFLA program tracks how many graduating program completers go on to attend higher education, trade school, certification programs, or military after high school graduation. Participating youth agree to respond to periodic surveys to share their path and plans post-graduation for a five-year period.

Training, Visits, Speakers, and Opportunities are graciously provided by City of Tallahassee Professionals and TFLA Business and Community Partners who are vested in the development and success of Tallahassee Youth. Activities include career exploration, healthy and tasty cooking, exercising minds and bodies, leadership training and habits of systems thinkers, career exploration, resume writing and mock interviews. soft skills training (e.g., attitude and enthusiasm, perspective-taking, professionalism, communication), financial literacy, service learning, and college exposure through pioneering partnerships with Florida A&M University, Florida State University, and Tallahassee Community College, and Lively Technical College.

Apply Now

The Seven TFLA Pillars

Employment:
Work a minimum of 20 hours/wk. @ minimum wage or higher for at least 6 weeks of the summer. Put your job-readiness skills into practice and meet with an on-site mentor weekly. Remember, practice makes permanence, TFLA is a great place to learn and practice job-readiness skills that can help you now and are transferrable to your future too!

Job-Readiness Skills:
What are the soft skills that pay the bills? What soft skills – also called life skills – can help with work, school, personal relationships and beyond? See where you are and how to grow your skills (growth mindset): attitude, perspective, positivity, teamwork, professionalism, networking, communication, problem solving and critical thinking.

College and Career Exposure:
Take part in campus tours and find out about different pathways and what higher education has to offer. Learn about future careers may relate to your skills and interests, and what challenges you want as a part of your future career.

Financial Literacy:
Learn what financial literacy and your money is all about. Save and spend wisely, keeping your short-term and long-term goals in focus.

Community Impact:
Discover how to impact your community positively. How does the City of Tallahassee strive to make a positive difference with citizens? How can you serve your City and be an active citizen?

Leadership:
How can you lead from wherever you are? What are leadership qualities to promote and practice? What systems-thinking habits will help you to be your best as a leader and as a part of a group?

Personal Health and Wellness:
Begin or continue your path towards being healthy. Health and wellness impacts work, school, and both our present and future selves. Your future starts today!

Roles for Youth

Teens looking for more information about TFLA should also click on the “For Youth” button, below.

TFLA Youth Ambassador – Youth Ambassadors are teens who have been a TFLA Youth Leader and are interested in leading a small group of TFLA Youth Leaders. Youth Ambassadors, employed by the City of Tallahassee, take part in pre-service training (start sooner), work more hours at a higher salary, have greater responsibilities, and are taking their leadership and personal growth to a new level. Youth must apply through the City of Tallahassee employment website and complete all hiring requirements, including living in the City of Tallahassee and being age-eligible (see job description).

TFLA Youth Leaders – Youth Leaders are our traditional role, actively participating in the program and their growth and learning as a City of Tallahassee employee. Youth Leaders are assigned to a small group, to enhance personal connections and sense-of-team. Youth must apply through the City of Tallahassee employment website and complete all hiring requirements, including living in the City of Tallahassee and being age-eligible (see job description).

TFLA Youth Affiliate (PILOT Program, new for 2021) – Youth Affiliates are teens who have a summer job lined up (not City of Tallahassee employees) and would like to participate in learning and training related to the 7 TFLA Pillars. A schedule of required days (e.g., tours) and activities (completed independently) will be available at least two weeks prior to TFLA’s start date, so youth can clear required dates with their employer. We are happy to talk with your employer about this new-for-2021 option, so they will see how it benefits them AND their teen employee.

TFLA 2021 Information

The Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy will offer a 7-week employment program from June 21, 2021 through August 6, 2021. Applications are open through Friday, April 2.

The Department of Community Services is hosting four TFLA Parent and Youth Info Sessions. Dr. Tara Huls and Ms. Toni Johnson will be sharing plans for Summer 2021, remind youth what documents are needed if selected for hire, and answer questions you may have.

Attendance by the TFLA Applicant (teen) and a parent/guardian (unless teen is 18 years old) is mandatory for consideration for employment.

Session A: Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.
Login here: Join Session
Meeting Number: 129 172 4827
Password: TFLA 2021

Session B: Friday, March 26, 2021 at 2:30 p.m.
Login here: Join Session
Meeting Number: 129 496 6925
Password: TFLA2021

Session C: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
Login here: Join Session
Meeting Number: 129 166 4576
Password: TFLA2021

Session D: Friday, April 2, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. (no Leon County school this day, and last day to apply for TFLA Youth Leader positions)
Login here: Join Session
Meeting Number: 129 685 6614
Password: TFLA 2021

Those interested in TFLA Summer 2021 can join the “Remind” group to receive notifications by Remind app, text, and/or email.

Join the “Interested in TFLA 2021 Remind group” by