About Youth Leadership Bulloch
Youth Leadership Bulloch (YLB) is the flagship youth development program of the Statesboro Bulloch Chamber of Commerce. Youth Leadership Bulloch is designed to develop and grow the leadership qualities of our future leaders. Class members are exposed to a diverse network of peers and community leaders, leading to greater insight and broader knowledge of the issues facing our community at-large.
Program Mission
The program’s mission is to develop youth to take an active role in the decision-making process of their community.
Defining the class
- Class members are exemplary high school juniors who have demonstrated leadership qualities and concern for their community through volunteer service and civic engagement
- Class members represent the various geographic areas and demographic groups (racial, ethnic, and socio-economic) of Bulloch County
Program Goals and Learning Outcomes
- Cultivate a sense of social responsibility
- Foster mutual understanding, respect, and trust by engaging with individuals from varied backgrounds
- Provide avenues for volunteerism and community engagement, offering participants the opportunity to actively contribute to the betterment of their surroundings
- Acquaint participants with the community’s economic and civic infrastructure, opportunities and threats, and the resources used by community leaders and decision makers in addressing such issues.
- Explore the diverse facets of Bulloch County’s government, business, economic development, health care, criminal justice, and community life
Application Process
- The completed application
- A signed program commitment form
- A signed parent/guardian/supporter authorization form
- Guidance counselor form to be completed by the school guidance counselor
NOTE: Applying for the Youth Leadership Bulloch program does NOT guarantee the student will be accepted. Class selection is a competitive process and in-person interviews may be conducted. A selection committee will notify all applicants of their status.
Youth Leadership Bulloch Tuition
Parent/Guardian/Supporter Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber Member: $350
Tuition is payable upon selection of class members. (Tuition is not due until the applicant is officially notified of their acceptance into the Youth Leadership Bulloch class.)
Tuition is non-refundable, non-transferable and is the responsibility of the class member/parent/guardian/supporter, or school/organization upon acceptance.
To be considered for a needs-based tuition scholarship, please email leadershipbulloch@statesborochamber.com to obtain the necessary paperwork to apply, once accepted.
Parental/Guardian/Supporter Authorization
Applicants for the Youth Leadership Bulloch program must have the support and commitment of their parent/guardian. The signature of a parent/guardian is necessary as an indication of the permission and support of the applicant’s participation.
Program Commitment
It is mandatory to attend the initial Meet the Class Reception (late August) and the six class sessions to graduate from the Youth Leadership Bulloch program. Monthly leadership days will occur September through February, with graduation scheduled in May. Hours for the Leadership Days will be 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
It is the responsibility of the student to make necessary arrangements to attend each class session – students are expected to attend the entirety of all sessions. Sessions are scheduled during school hours. Students must be able to provide their own transportation, and they are encouraged to carpool. If a student cannot provide their own transportation, please email leadershipbulloch@statesborochamber.com upon acceptance to make arrangements for transportation. We will make every effort to make sure transportation is not a barrier for participation in the program.
For safety and liability purposes, the class participants must arrive at the beginning of the session and will not be dismissed until the session ends.
Absence Policy
Class members must attend all leadership days to graduate. However, members may have one excused absence with no consequences.
In the event of an unexpected/unavoidable absence, a letter of explanation must be sent to the Chamber of Commerce office (Attn: Youth Leadership Bulloch) within one week of the missed session (one week in advance if the student knows about the event).
Participants missing up-to two sessions may remain in the class, but will not graduate in the spring.
Participants missing more than two sessions will be immediately dismissed from the program, with no refund of tuition.
Schedule
- Late August – Meet the Class (mandatory)
- September – Demographics & Diversification
- October – Life After High School
- November – Healthcare and Public Safety
- December – City/County Operations, Business and Industry
- January – Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- February – Tourism, History and Culture
- Late February – Graduation (mandatory)