"This was a fantastic day. It really has inspired me to volunteer more," said one high-school junior who recently participated in The Dayton Foundation's "Making a Difference in Your Community" day, organized for the YMCA of Greater Dayton's Junior Leadership Dayton program.

The Junior Leadership Dayton program helps prepare high-school students for future leadership roles within the community. Through the "Making a Difference in Your Community" day, these students learn how individuals and groups can contribute to a positive quality of life in the Greater Dayton Region. Participants learn about the importance of philanthropy, volunteerism and the role that not-for-profit organizations play in our community.

The "Making a Difference in Your Community" day includes talking with local philanthropists, volunteers and founders of not-for-profit organizations, as well as visiting to local charitable organizations. Previous program participants have visited the Dayton Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Public Radio and ISUS Trade and Tech Prep, an alternative learning school that gives students a second chance to succeed at school.

To learn more about Junior Leadership Dayton, click here to visit their web site.