Great Lakes Bay Regional Youth Leadership Institute
The Great Lakes Bay Regional Youth Leadership Institute is a Saginaw Valley State University initiative that provides a rare opportunity for carefully selected junior and senior high school students. These leaders are from diverse cultural, racial and socioeconomic communities in Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties. The GLBRYLI gives these students valuable leadership training and helps them acquire new skills that will benefit their own professional development and the community. This unprecedented youth leadership institute is the only one of its kind in the region and the only initiative of this type developed by a Michigan four-year university.
Throughout the academic school year, high school students leaders join with university mentors on the SVSU campus to participate in leadership training session, which are often led by local and state trained facilitators and presenters. In this supportive environment, students are given the opportunity to develop their skills, gain confidence, and grow into the future leaders they aspire to be.
Youth Leadership Institute Scholarship Award
Any graduates from the Great Lakes Bay Regional Youth Leadership Institute who enroll at SVSU as freshman are eligible to receive a $1,500 scholarship.
The criteria for selection are as follows:
- Must be an active participant in the Great Lakes Bay Regional Youth Leadership Institute
- High school cumulative GPA and ACT scores may be considered
- Financial need may be considered
20 Years of Youth Leadership Excellence
In 2025, the Great Lakes Bay Regional Youth Leadership Institute proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary—a remarkable milestone marking two decades of empowering high school students to grow as leaders, changemakers, and engaged community members. Since its founding in 2005, GLBRYLI has provided culturally enriching leadership training to hundreds of juniors and seniors across the Great Lakes Bay Region, focusing on diversity, civic engagement, and personal growth.
This special anniversary honored the legacy of past participants, dedicated mentors, and the many community partners who have supported the program over the years. GLBRYLI alumni have gone on to make meaningful contributions in education, business, healthcare, public service, and beyond—demonstrating the lasting impact of youth empowerment.
Check out this video featuring heartfelt words from the founder, education officials, community supporters, and former participants of GLBRYLI: https://vimeo.com/1091309994
Great Lakes Bay Regional Youth Leadership Institute Over the Years
Reflections
"My experience in the GLBYLI has taught me lots of teamwork. Which has helped me with going to the new school Saginaw United, where 2 schools were merged. Being a shy person, it helped me learn to talk to more people and it made it easier to do group projects. We also learned about financial literacy, some of those concepts taught me about budgeting and saving. When I got my first job I was more aware of the importance of not just spending my money for fun." - Kaleah Walker, 23-24 Alum
"My first time serving as a student mentor with GLBRYLI, I came in not fully knowing what to expect. I knew my role was to help guide students in their leadership journeys—but what I didn’t anticipate was how much I would grow alongside them. Through each session, I learned new ways to lead with empathy, purpose, and confidence. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and the community that made it so impactful." - Demi Wolosonowich, 24-25 Mentor
"Having the opportunity to serve as a student mentor for the GLBRYLI has been both an exciting and educative experience. Being part of a program that helps shape the leaders of tomorrow has been incredibly rewarding, not only because I get to share what I’ve learned, but also because I continue to grow alongside the students. Watching their confidence and leadership skills develop over time has been truly inspiring. It’s an honor to contribute to their journey and to know that I’ve played even a small role in their growth." - Esther Gariba, 24-25 Mentor
"It has been my pleasure to be part of the GLBYLI for many years. I have had the pleasure of working with many motivated students who are already outstanding leaders in their schools and community organizations. They continue to amaze me with their intelligence, talent and creativity… and their willingness to share these skills! The future is bright!" - Gloria Rubis, 14-25 Community Volunteer
"As a 2016 graduate of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Youth Leadership Institute, this institute played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional journey. It not only fostered my leadership skills but also provided invaluable opportunities, such as networking with community leaders and engaging in hands-on projects that had tremendous value to everyday life. These experiences were instrumental in helping me decide that Saginaw Valley State University was the perfect place for me to pursue my degree, as they nurtured my passion for leadership and community service, guiding my aspirations for the future. I would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Mamie Thorns for her outstanding leadership and dedication, and congratulate her on 20 years of a long-standing Institute that continues to empower young leaders in our community." - Christian Garret, 15-16 Alum