Neighborhood Leadership Initiative (NLI)

The Neighborhood Leadership Initiative (NLI) is a community-based youth leadership program run by Mikva Challenge for young people ages 13 to 15 from North Lawndale, Gage Park, and New City/Back of the Yards. Participants join neighborhood councils made up of their peers. Council members study the violence that affects their own community. They build leadership skills along the way. Using what they learn, they design safety strategies led by youth. They then work with local stakeholders and officials to act on public safety efforts.

Eligibility is limited to youth ages 13 to 15 from the North Lawndale, Gage Park, or New City/Back of the Yards neighborhoods. Interested students should contact Mikva Challenge for current enrollment information.