The USPC National Youth Congress (NYC) was established in 1998 in order to recognize outstanding Pony Club members and build on the leadership skills they've developed throughout the years. The NYC provides intensive leadership training to 18-23 year old Pony Club members who have attained a national certification (C-3, H-B, B, H-A, or A). Members are challenged to apply their Pony Club experience to make meaningful contributions to the larger world and think about how they can continue to use the leadership skills developed through Pony Club in their school and future careers.
The National Youth Congress experience includes mentoring and networking with members of the USPC Academy of Achievement, Pony Club alumni from all over the country who are current leaders in a variety of fields. They also meet with members of the USPC Board of Governors.
Learn More about the National Youth Congress
NYC is all about the participants and their development. Over two-and-a-half-days, NYC participants get to know each other, hear from Academy of Achievement alumni about their careers and life lessons, and work through different leadership development skill-building exercises. There are small-group activities, large-group discussions, and projects for the participants to work on and apply new skills. NYC participants also typically have a social outing or field trip, enjoy an end of program reception, and spend time meeting the National Youth Board (NYB) and Board of Governors during the sessions.
In addition to the above opportunities, one of the critical takeaways from NYC is the expansion of a personal network with professionals in a variety of career fields and with other delegates from across the country. This includes consistent engagement throughout the NYC meeting with the Academy of Achievement alumni who participate in all portions of the event.
Along with personal growth, NYC delegates also tackle areas of growth and opportunity for USPC. They identify challenges and possible solutions, which often get presented to the Board of Governors during the USPC Convention, and many go on to become Pony Club initiatives.
Nominees are selected by their respective club or center and are recommended to their Regional Supervisor based on the below criteria. Each club or center may recommend to their Regional Supervisor one or more Pony Club members. The DC/CA /RS will need to complete the nomination form. Each region may select one youth delegate and one alternate delegate for the annual National Youth Congress. All selected delegates will be notified by mail by late November of their selection.
Nominees must:
