A cohort of young change-makers will get inspiration to help make a positive impact on society through a three-week summer course.

The Future Leaders programme will start next week with a $25,000 government grant to cover the cost of admitting young people into the programme.

David Burt, the Premier, called Future Leaders a “cornerstone of youth development”.

He added: “It provides a unique platform for young Bermudians to explore critical social issues, engage in hands-on learning and gain mentorship from some of the island’s most inspiring role models.”

The group of 17 high school students will tackle topics of inequality, identity, leadership and civic responsibility.

They will take part in workshops and community service projects as well as mentorship opportunities with businesses.

The participants came from The Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy, Saltus Grammar School, the Bermuda Institute, Mount Saint Agnes Academy, Warwick Academy and Somersfield Academy.

Mr Burt said that many alumni had gone on to serve in leadership roles and offer their share of community service.

He added: “Their success is a testament to what happens when we invest in our young people and give them the tools they need to succeed.”

Seon Tatem, the assistant director of the Future Leaders programme, said the course this year would be assisted by two new youth directors, Jaiden Furbert-Jacobs and Siniah Lambe, both of whom are alumni.

He said: “For the next three weeks of intense studies and in-depth reflections of both society and our inner selves, our future leaders will be better equipped with the knowledge to fight for a better world for this and for future generations.”

Mr Tatem said that the young participants would accrue 90 hours of community service by the programme’s end.

He added that it would leave pupils in a better position to spot social inequality and make their voices heard.

Mr Tatem said: “They will apply leadership, team building and analytical skills that will empower them to question their roles as citizens and leaders, and to consider the power they hold as individuals as well as a collective.”

Mr Tatem said it was important to help young people recognise the power they had within their own communities and what they could do to build on it.

He added: “While in today’s Bermuda, the impact of disempowerment is evident in social issues such as the continued sting of gang violence and disengaged behaviour, the promise of youth voices remains evermore relevant.

“To our future leaders, you are our answer to Bermuda’s greatest challenges and our reminder that, as long as you feel empowered and never give up, our future is secured.”

Future Leaders alumni will make up the bulk of the programme co-ordinators this year.

Mr Furbert-Jacobs said that one of the best parts of the programme was that many of those involved hailed from a variety of different backgrounds.

He said this helped them learn from each other and gain more perspective.

Mr Furbert-Jacobs advised the cohort to throw their ideas of each other “out the window” and instead take the time to learn about each other afresh.

He added: “The meaningful relationships and values you will gain from this programme are ones that you will carry with you throughout your journey and maybe even guide you when you feel lost.”

Kamalah Burchall, who is involved this year in Future Leaders, said she became interested in the programme after hearing it offered people the knowledge and tools to create a better society.

She said: “In the next few weeks, I hope to grow my interpersonal skills and aim to walk with empathy, as I’ll be exposed to different social ranks in Bermuda.”