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Youth Leadership DeKalb

Youth Leadership DeKalb (YLD) is a program designed to develop the leadership skills of young people in DeKalb County so they may confidently become leaders of tomorrow. Celebrating the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of our county, the YLD program focuses on:

• Self awareness
• Understanding of others
• Teamwork
• Community awareness and responsibility
• Leadership skills

Through experiential and highly interactive workshops and a weekend retreat, participants learn ways a diverse group of people working together rather than individually can positively impact their community.

The class begins in August with an Orientation and overnight retreat at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. The class meets monthly from September through April to learn about leadership skills and community issues such as Juvenile Justice, Healthy Living, Business Etiquette, Healthy Relationships, Personal Responsibility and Finance. A Saturday bus tour showcases various landmarks in DeKalb County and a Saturday Career Fair introduces the students to potential careers. The students are also invited to participate in page day at the Capitol.

Throughout the program, students interact with Leadership DeKalb graduates and community leaders. They begin to understand the importance of networking and make important contacts for their future.

As they confront timely issues, YLD students also learn to conduct meetings, resolve conflicts, and explore diversity. Leadership DeKalb graduates who are people of influence in the County share with students the importance of community service.

To graduate from Youth Leadership DeKalb, a student is expected to attend all the programs including orientation, an overnight retreat, eight monthly events, page day at the Capitol, a bus tour and career fair, a closing session and graduation, as well as performing community service hours. Two excused absences are allowed. Attending the overnight retreat is required to participate in the program.

Upon acceptance into Youth Leadership DeKalb, a $150 commitment fee is requested. Partial and full scholarships are available based on need. YLD will not turn away any accepted student based on ability to pay.

Selection Criteria

Acceptance into Youth Leadership DeKalb is a very competitive process. Approximately 40 students are selected from over 75 applicants each year. Students are selected based on their current school and community roles, GPA, any work experience and responses to essay questions on the application.

• Students may be nominated by high school counselors or may submit an application on their own.
• Students must be rising 10th or 11th graders.
• Students must live in or attend school in DeKalb County.
• Students in public or private schools may apply.
• Students should demonstrate outstanding qualities as potential leaders: academic achievements and responsibilities, school activities, extracurricular activities and after-school job experience will be considered during the selection process.
• Students must submit a written application and copy of their transcript (minimum 3.0 GPA).
• Candidates may be asked to participate in an interview with members of the Youth Leadership DeKalb Advisory Council
• A $10 application fee must accompany each application.

For information about how you can participate in Youth Leadership DeKalb, contact your high school counselor or e-mail dianejacksonchapman@leadershipdekalb.org.

 

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