Group of students walking into school.Local First Priority of Tampa Bay students praying at a club meeting. Students at a joint meeting of several local high school First Priority of Tampa Bay clubs.

Young Christian leaders development programs

Young Christian Leaders Development Programs, formerly known as First Priority of Tampa Bay is an independent nonprofit organization that launched in Tampa in 2009.
Through leadership development initiatives including student-led campus clubs and an alumni program, we provide skills training for team-building, conflict resolution, and social-emotional learning designed to foster community, connection, and purpose.

About our organization:

Young Christina Leaders Development Programs , formerly known as First Priority of Tampa Bay is a registered nonprofit that is locally governed by independent, unpaid board members. The staff follows a strategic plan and adheres to organizational rules and practices, as determined by the local Executive Board.  We are supported by private donations and 100% of donations are used to impact students and young adults.
Vision
To have student-led Christian clubs on every middle and high school campus in the greater Tampa Bay area and beyond.
Mission
To connect students with Christ and a supportive Christian community.
Purpose
To partner with local churches to mobilize and train students to share the love of Christ at their schools.
Foundation of Faith

Our organization operates on the basis of Christian beliefs that frame what we do and how we do it. Ultimately, we are focused on loving God and loving others.

‍God has given us:
His Word to be the written source of absolute truth.
His Son Jesus, to restore our relationship with God.
His Spirit to empower believers to live holy lives.
His Mandate to proclaim Christ’s sinless life, death, and resurrection to all.
His Church to equip believers to reach the world.

Our commitment
To provide quality resources and ongoing support to our students and alumni
To help them become better leaders, connect with peers, and share their Christian faith
To help help them defend their religious rights on public school campuses
To train, screen, background check, and regularly communicate with staff and adult volunteers—all of whom are held to the highest standards and to a Biblical lifestyle
Executive Director Carina DesHotels and Co-Curriculum Developer Martha Parish recently sat down with Bay Focus Producer and Host Darlene Greenlee on the Christian Television network to discuss the purpose of our organization. Listen to their conversation to learn more about our organization.

Help students and young adults become great leaders!

Donate

Young Christian Leaders Development Programs

Young Christian Leaders Development Programs, formerly known as First Priority of Tampa Bay is a qualified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supported by donations from churches, businesses, individuals, and foundations. Donations of cash, securities, real estate and other property are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 10731
Tampa, FL 33678
Office Address
97 W. Biscayne Ave
Tampa, FL 33606
Email Address
info@firstprioritytampa.org
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© Young Christian Leaders formerly First Priority of Tampa Bay 2025. All rights reserved.