TEEN LEADERS OF AMERICA, INC.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

he founders of Teen Leaders of America(TLA) are Saqirah Redmond and Marcia Brown. Saqirah and Marcia are college-educated women with over 20 years of combined experience developing and conducting programs for youth organizations. Their main focus has been helping students get into college and gain the skills necessary to succeed in the real world. hile working with students they noted several observations: parents and students are stressed with the college admissions process; students tend to make uneducated decisions when choosing majors and as a result waste time and money changing majors; many students with high grade point averages and high test scores are not prepared for the demands of college. This lack of preparation is linked to the increasing college dropout rate that is receiving strong attention from our President, school officials, students and parents. As a result, Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Redmond decided to invest their years of experience and passion for helping students succeed into a youth leadership company that will help students prepare for the demands of college and the real world. This program runs from September-April.  This program prepares high school students for the college admission process; as well as important skills for workforce, leadership and development throughout their academic career.  It also provides teens the opportunity to obtain community service hours and participate in social activities. Mission of TLA The mission of Teen Leaders of America (TLA) is to empower youth to face the challenges of the 21st century by providing students with the life and leadership skills necessary to get into college, graduate and select rewarding careers. TLA provides programs and services in the areas of Youth Leadership & Development, College Outreach and Workforce Development to middle and high school students in grades 6 through 12. een Leaders is open to any student with a desire to succeed regardless of race, gender or economic status.  Teen Leaders of America is supported by the Jacksonville Children's Commission, Family Support Services of North Florida, a division of the Department of Children and Families.  Youth summer jobs are supported by the United Way of Northeast Florida.  In-School Mentoring programs are in partnership with the New Town Success Zone through funding provided by the Florida Department of Education.