We recognize that youth have tremendous power to contribute to their community when given the chance. ZYEP strives to provide Zuni’s emerging leaders (ages 15-24) opportunities to gain paid work experience in positions that allow them to give back to their community. This includes paid positions as summer camp counselors (20-30 youth per year), athletic coaches (20-30 youth per year), gardening/nutrition leaders (2-4 youth per year), physical activity leaders (2 youth per year), built environment leaders (2 youth per year), and art leaders (2 youth per year). These young people develop their leadership abilities by completing formal training, organizing community meetings, mentoring Zuni youth, and attending and presenting at conferences. Notably, there are far more youth that apply for our paid positions than we can hire due to limited funding. We envision and will work toward a future where every Zuni youth who wants a job will be able to have one.