When Patrick Carey learned he had to give a speech to the Woman's Club of Linthicum Heights earlier this month about what he learned during the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership program he attended in May, he was a little nervous.

For one thing, the meeting was to celebrate the club's 70th anniversary, so the it would be packed. For another, the Brooklyn Park 16-year-old never had given a speech before. But when he was finished, he received a standing ovation.

Carey gave an overview of his experience and said one of the most meaningful events was the second night's dinner. All the 300 high school sophomore...