YOUTH LEADERSHIP DIGITAL ERA: EMPOERING STUDENTS TO DEVELOP ACADEMIC SKILLS OF THE WESTERN REGIONAL UNIVERSITY NETWORK

Abstract

The youth of the new generation are an important force in the country's future development, so it is imperative that they design and plan ways to enhance their potential accordingly. The objectives of this research paper were 1) to study the lessons of empowering youth in the digital age and 2) to present guidelines for youth leadership development in the digital age. It is a qualitative study. A sample of 15 people collected data using an outlined questionnaire for 5 in-depth interviews and 10 people in a group discussion, selecting specific samples with qualifications: 1) experience in participating in academic activities, 2) experience in volunteer work, and 3) willing to provide information in research. Analyze data by content analysis and quality check with triangular techniques. The study found that youth leadership empowerment includes shared goals, continuous self-improvement, teamwork, positive thinking, and systemic understanding. The step-by-step empowerment process consists of 4 steps: 1) data analysis to assess needs as the starting point for data analysis, 2) empowerment to design a learning process to enhance potential appropriate to the target group, 3) participation in academic competitions, and 4) summary of evaluation lessons. This process will guide youth to become up-to-date change leaders. It will also result in a learning process coupled with the necessary skills training, social analytics, continuous self-training, ability to work with others, interpersonal skills, and working in different and diverse cultures. All of which will lead to coexistence in society as a whole.