Introduction
WPAYL is western Pennsylvania's premiere leadership seminar for outstanding high school sophomores. WPAYL is conducted by Youth Leadership of Western Pennsylvania, Inc., a non-profit, volunteer group and is held at a college or university in the Greater Pittsburgh area during each May or June.
The seminar is a weekend of new friendships, incredible laughs, inspirational perspectives on leadership, and lifelong memories. It is funded by corporations and organizations like Citizens' Bank, the Kiwanis Clubs of America, and the Womens' Clubs of Pennsylvania and students are nominated by their high school counselors. The seminar is free to the student and the school.
The seminar has been held every year since 1993. Originally known as Western Pa. HOBY, the seminar has evolved into its current state: an organization dedicated to the education, safety, and advancement of student leaders. It is staffed by a number of community leaders. They are assisted by the junior staff, all of whom are alumni of the program. Having been through it in years before, the alumni junior staff help plan the seminar to the most minute detail.