Interfaith Ministries wishes to thank CITGO Petroleum Corporation for their generous sponsorship of the
2023 iLead Youth Engagement Program.
iLead is also sponsored in part by the generosity of a local Houston couple and by the Rabbi Samuel E. Karff Memorial Fund.
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s iLead Youth Engagement Program inspires, educates, and connects 8th grade students and a parent or guardian in a unique learning and service opportunity to build stronger interpersonal relationships, communication skills, and networking abilities across diverse faith and cultural backgrounds.
From January to May, student and parent/guardian participants will explore Houston’s diversity, learn what allyship means, and make a difference through volunteerism and service through monthly interactive, innovative, and fun programming.
By uniting students and a parent or guardian in dialogue, service, and collaboration, we offer opportunities to share quality time with each other, build and strengthen family bonds, and impact our community in a positive way.
- By encountering individuals representing Houston’s many cultures and beliefs
- By valuing the individuality and identities of others and taking pride in their own culture and heritage
- By developing leadership skills to carry into high school and beyond
- By understanding the value and importance of volunteerism and community service
- By standing with others as an ally
Program Details and Dates:
- Orientation – December 8 or December 14, 2022 at 6 pm – 7 pm via Zoom
- Session #1 – Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm (in-person)MLK Service Project & The Beloved Community & Allyship
- Session #2 – Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (via Zoom)Exploring Greater Houston’s Interfaith and Cultural Diversity
- Session #3 – Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (via Zoom)Navigating a Path of Success from Middle School to High School
- Session #4 – Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 9:00 am -11:30 am (in-person)Making a Difference through Volunteer Activities
- Session #5 – Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm (in-person)Graduation: Reflection, Recognition, and Appreciation Ceremony*iLead photography entries will be displayed and celebrated.
“As a high school senior, iLead was a phenomenal way to learn more about different religions and the values that bind us all. My understanding of faiths outside of my own grew substantially, which vastly contributed to my ability to practice and preach religious tolerance. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and sincerely recommend this program to any youth interested in expanding their knowledge of cultures and faiths.”
— Siddhant Ahuja (Previous iLead Participant)
“Both my children went through the iLead program a few years back and immensely benefitted from it. During the year-long program, they engaged in group discussions and dialog with a peer group of students from multiple faiths. Through visits to places of worship, they were able to further their understanding of other faiths and were able to find the commonality that helps unites each other. This experience was unique and positively impacted their personalities with an appreciation for other faiths and the role of IMGH in developing interfaith relationships and religious tolerance in the community. I highly recommend this program to middle and high school students.”
— Sanjay Ahuja (Parent)
“My time in iLead helped me not only learn more about different religions and cultures but also helped me directly engage in faith based current issue discussions to generate religious tolerance. I created friendships that I still have now and explored the impact of religious beliefs on identity and values. I enjoyed my time in my first year so much that I joined again for a second year as an iLead Fellow. I’m extremely grateful to Interfaith Ministries for developing a program that brings diverse perspectives and experiences together at such a pivotal age.”
— Smriti Ahuja (Previous iLead Participant)