LONGVIEW — The Second Annual Youth Leadership Conference “Taking the Risk, Guided by Principle” will be held Tuesday, Jan. 19, on the LeTourneau University campus. The conference is a joint project between the Longview Independent School District Office of International Baccalaureate Initiatives and LeTourneau University Conference and Event Services.

“At LeTourneau University, we want to have an impact on every workplace in every nation, including those closest to us—our community and local students,” said Marty Lane, LETU Director of Conference and Event Services. “We want to make a difference in the world by taking measured risks, but always guided by principles of ethical values.”

Each secondary school in Longview will select 100 students to attend the day-long leadership training event. In addition, up to 100 students will participate from other Texas schools including LISD, Pine Tree ISD, Hallsville ISD, Spring Hill ISD and the Trinity School of Texas, as well as other schools from the area.

Various activities will be held throughout the day to build teamwork and leadership skills. LETU students will serve as mentors and will lead participants in small group sessions, facilitating discussion about their own leadership experiences. They will also present information about LETU student projects, including LeTourneau Engineering Global Solutions (LEGS) that uses education to solve problems in developing countries.

“Our LETU students will share what they’re working on that affects the world,” Lane said.

The keynote speaker will be former San Diego Chargers quarterback Neal Jeffrey during the general session from 9 to 10:15 a.m. in the university’s S.E. Belcher Jr., Chapel and Performance Center, 2100 South Mobberly Ave. The public is invited to attend.

Both LISD and LETU administrators say they hope the conference will help students recognize and develop their natural leadership abilities.

“Every talent has value,” said Margaret Davis, LISD Director of IB. “Our students can start making a difference now, wherever they are.”

LeTourneau University integrates learning, living and Christian leadership in a community of integrity, academic quality and technological innovation. It is an interdenominational university offering academic majors in the aeronautical sciences, business, education, engineering, the humanities and sciences. LeTourneau University also offers business degrees, including a Master’s of Business Administration degree, and teacher certification programs at five education center in Austin, Bedford, Dallas, Houston and Tyler.

Claiming every workplace in every nation as its mission field, LeTourneau University graduates are professionals of ingenuity and Christ-like character who see life's work as a holy calling with eternal impact.