City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA)

The City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA), created in April 2007, was designed to introduce Asheville High School students to civic-minded careers while encouraging them to take an active part in saving for their college education.
CAYLA students are chosen from eligible applicants at Asheville High School by a committee of local educators and city staff.  Each student is required to submit an application and at least two written recommendations to the committee, and attend an in-person interview. After attending orientation in June, students will begin their internships in both City and County Departments, as well as with a number of participating nonprofits and businesses.  Employers include such organizations as the Asheville Police Department, the Water Resource Department, the Asheville Citizen-Times, the Chamber of Commerce, and UNCA.
CAYLA hopes to interest local students in careers in public service, but it also supplements the students' work experience with weekly seminars.  These workshops focus on life skills, including financial literacy, conflict management, leadership and preparation for college.