Eighteen youth leaders who participated in a college and career guidance workshop in New York last week have been recognised for their leadership abilities.

The group, which included two interns as well as students of CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute, participated in the PeerForward programme at Nazareth University in Rochester, New York, the Government said.

The students were accompanied by guidance counsellors, college coaches and Mirrors Programme team members at the workshop, which ran from July 10 until Sunday.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, commended the students’ endurance.

She said: “Despite the recent tragic events involving some of their peers, the Peer Leaders displayed tremendous resilience and determination, remaining focused on their goals and achieving remarkable success.

“Their dedication to their personal growth is truly commendable.”

She added: “The Bermuda Government applauds the efforts of all the Peer Leaders who exemplify the spirit of resilience, leadership and dedication that we strive to instil in all our young people.”

Kim Jackson, Mirrors Programme manager, said: “This invaluable guidance will assist them in making informed decisions about their future academic pursuits.”

Ms Jackson said the students joined 75 other senior students from across the United States at the event and had “the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the college environment“.

She said they gained first-hand experience in understanding college life and were able to “further solidify their aspirations for higher education”.

“We are very proud of them,” she added.

The Government said the PeerForward initiative leverages “the power of peer influence to enhance college preparation and enrolment for all public school S4 students”.

It provides extensive training on “effective leadership, advocacy, college preparation and scholarship opportunities”.

The programme centred on assisting the students to “understand their motivations and readiness for college, empowering them to support their peers in their journey towards acceptance into college”.

“The ultimate goal is to foster a culture of college and career readiness in schools across Bermuda.”

At the workshop, each student received personalised college coaching sessions and crafted their first draft personal statement.

They were also told of ten potential colleges they could attend.