Life for today’s high school students is far from simple.  There are numerous pressures that weigh on the minds and hearts of today’s teens.  It is for this purpose that Jon and Kym Nedeau along with Scott Flick created Power of Youth, Inc., an organization whose purpose is to enhance the lives of 16-18 year old high school students by providing them with the exciting opportunity to build a car – from the ground up! 

This out of school educational opportunity provides students with a mentorship program wherein students not only learn fundamental auto mechanic skills but also many other valuable life lessons – such as how to be accountable, how to develop a good work ethic, how to grow in leadership, how to follow through on a major commitment, how to effectively communicate, how to be a team player, and how to have the true satisfaction that comes from dedication, determination and diligence.

The project begins by an application process; and six to ten students are selected from local area high schools.  These students and their parents then meet to discuss expectations, and they sign a contract stating their commitment to the project.  On the first day of the project, the students are told the scope and timeline and are given their first tasks.  Throughout the project, students work in a rotation to ensure that they learn various skills and gain diverse knowledge.  After the project is completed, the students have the satisfaction of seeing the consummation of their hard work; and the race car is taken to a track to be tested by each of the students.  The car will then be showcased at various businesses that have sponsored the project along with local high schools and community events.  Once the next project has been completed, the previous car will be auctioned off, and a portion of the proceeds will go to local high schools for scholarship funds. 

Power of Youth, Inc. is an exciting opportunity for everyone, as it will benefit many individuals, families, businesses, and communities: the students involved will learn lifelong skills and will be prepared to enter the community as confident and responsible young adults; the mentors will be sharpened in their ability to communicate with teens and pass along the practical skills and life lessons they have acquired over the years; the parents will have the opportunity to see the transformation of their son or daughter from an aimless teenager to a purposed young adult; and the business sponsors will be recognized for helping teens and reinvesting in their community.

The main purpose of Power of Youth, Inc. is giving.  By giving time, giving energy, giving knowledge, and giving love to these students, we hope that each teen will be encouraged to continue the giving – into each of their homes, families, schools, and communities. 

“Train up a child in the way he should go;
and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).