Children’s Leadership Training Institute (CLTI): Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
The Children’s Leadership Training Institute (CLTI) is a transformative program that empowers young people by teaching them about leadership, community engagement, and civic responsibility. Brought to Kansas City by dedicated parent leaders from the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI), CLTI serves children aged 7 to 12, providing them with the skills and confidence to become active, thoughtful leaders in their communities.
At the heart of CLTI is the belief that leadership is not reserved for the few in the spotlight but is a skill anyone can develop. In the program, participants explore leadership through a mix of interactive activities, storytelling, and discussions. For example, through books like Stone Soup and Charlotte’s Web, children learn about collaboration, networking, and the importance of working together toward shared goals.
Jamie Kelsey, a PLTI parent leader and founding co-teacher with CLTI, exemplifies the profound impact the program has had on both her personal journey and her approach to leadership. “I joined PLTI thinking I didn’t need it—I was already an educated, engaged voter,” she recalls. “But what I didn’t realize was that PLTI gave me tools to transform my concerns into action.” Jamie’s experience has been nothing short of life-changing. Through her involvement, she helped bring CLTI to Kansas City, where she has worked with a team to engage children in leadership lessons that will last a lifetime.
Jamie’s journey began with her initial focus on promoting inclusive curricula in schools. Armed with the knowledge gained through PLTI, Jamie took her advocacy to the next level. She worked tirelessly to support a candidate who shared her vision for educational equity, helping to organize meet-and-greets and canvassing efforts. Her candidate won the school board seat, and Jamie’s network grew, creating new opportunities for her to make an even greater impact.
For Jamie, leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about using your unique skills to make a difference. “It’s incredible to watch the CLTI kids connect the dots and begin to see leadership as something they can do, not just something they watch from afar,” she says. Through her work in both CLTI and as a board member for Kansas City Missouri Angels, Jamie is laying the foundation for future generations of leaders.
Her reflections on the legacy of her work are deeply inspiring: “When I feel hopeless about the world, I think about those Wednesday afternoons with the CLTI kids. We’re planting seeds of leadership and connection that will grow for years to come.” Jamie’s belief in the power of small, yet meaningful, actions echoes through the hearts of every child involved in CLTI.
The impact of CLTI extends beyond the children it serves. Parent leaders like Jamie are discovering their own voices and leadership potential, growing through each step of the program. PLTI and CLTI offer a unique opportunity for parents to deepen their civic engagement, gain confidence, and become catalysts for change in their communities.
We are proud to see the ripple effect of CLTI’s work in Kansas City—nurturing young leaders, empowering parents, and creating lasting change.
