Program
Youth Leadership Program
A year-long experience for high school juniors and seniors in Eastern Jackson County.
Quick facts
- Duration
- September – May
- Grade
- Juniors & seniors
- Cost
- Free
- Cohort size
- 24 students
Who this is for
Motivated high school juniors and seniors who want to lead in their schools and communities. No prior leadership experience required — curiosity and commitment are what we're looking for.
What you'll do
Four pillars of the program
Monthly workshops
Hands-on sessions on public speaking, project management, financial literacy, and civic engagement — led by local experts.
Community projects
Work in teams to design and deliver a community project. Past projects include a food drive, a public-art mural, and a local podcast.
Mentorship
Monthly one-on-one meetings with a professional mentor matched to your interests.
Scholarship
Every graduate earns a $1,000 scholarship for their college education.
Timeline
Your year at a glance
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September — Orientation
Kick off weekend retreat. Meet your cohort and mentors.
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October–December — Foundation
Monthly workshops on leadership, communication, and project planning.
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January — Community project launch
Teams choose a community issue and begin designing their project.
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February–April — Execution
Teams deliver their projects with coaching from mentors and THCF staff.
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May — Graduation
Celebrate with family, showcase your project, and receive your scholarship.
Alumni voices
What graduates say
This program taught me how to show up for my community. I use what I learned every single week.
The mentor relationship changed how I think about my future. I'm applying to colleges I never thought I'd consider.
How to apply
Three steps
- 1
Check eligibility
You must be a rising junior or senior attending a high school in Jackson, Cass, or Lafayette counties.
- 2
Submit application
Complete the online application by March 15. A teacher or community reference is required.
- 3
Interview
Selected applicants interview with our program committee in April. Decisions go out in early May.
Ready to apply?
Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort open in January.