The YLC consists of a eleven-session training program, addressing fundamental board skills. These interactive sessions reflect on such leadership indicators as collaboration, diversity and the role of catalyst deemed crucial for today's nonprofit leadership roles. The training is followed by a year internship with a community agency. At this time, the YLC participant serves as a non-voting member of a working board.

Participants are between 25 and 40 years of age and come from a broad range of corporate, civic and volunteer backgrounds. They may be nominated by YLC alumni, their group's management or may be self-nominated with management's recommendation.