IYI fosters self-reliance while preparing students for public life and leadership in a changing world. Life skills are modeled by
all staff members and taught through several curricula: Hip Hop Guide to True Survival, Makin’ It, YouthBuild USA, and others. Skills include personal responsibility, parenting, sexual health, stress reduction, anger management, timeliness, appearance/hygiene, respect, and self-worth. IYI also provides training in public speaking, ethics, and financial self-reliance (money management and budgeting).
Leadership training includes:
- A five-day course each trimester teaching conflict resolution, team building, and leadership development.
- A “homeroom” leadership period that brings the entire school together. Staff recognize students who are excelling, and students give “shout outs” to supportive staff members and peers. Students also attend breakout sessions for life skills development and updates on current events and expectations.
- Participation in the IYI Youth Policy Committee, the National YouthBuild Advisory Board, and high school extracurricular activities in the Trenton School District like prom and yearbook committees.
- Training for civic participation that encourages students to interact with government leaders.
Conferences, trainings, community organizing, and cultural events.- Community projects like community gardening, mentoring middle school students, helping senior citizens, joining the Trenton Spirit Walk, and assisting at Isles’ special events.
- Mentoring by staff members of 7–10 students in a more informal, relaxed environment.
- As a reward for high performing students, a free trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Grand Teton and Yellowstone Parks, where environmental training exposes students to the plants, animals, and people of the high desert.
