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The Covington County Youth Leadership program is currently accepting applications for juniors of the 2024-2025 school year.

The cost to participate is $50 with the deadline to apply on Friday, August 16, at 5 p.m. Participants must pay the fee by the first leadership session on Wednesday, Sept. 18. This year’s application may be accessed at https://forms.gle/MUgvV1MKbmXEeQt88.

“The goal of the Covington County Youth Leadership is to expose students to resources and opportunities available in our community and state. We want them to meet and interact with business and community leaders and local officials. Through our program, these students will experience the difference they can make through volunteer service projects,” CCYL Program Coordinator Dr. Terri Dunn said.

CCYL had a total of 29 students in the 2021-2022 class, 34 in 2022-2023, and 32 in 2023-2024. Eligibility is limited to juniors from all public, private, and home schools within Covington County who are at least 15 years of age. Applicants must have a “C” average or better, permission from parents/guardians, and approval from their school principal. Applicants are expected to have demonstrated leadership in school or community activities; expressed an interest in addressing the issues that confront their community; and to have a commitment to participation in all program activities.

Students will meet once per month over the school year on Wednesdays to participate in several leadership sessions. Those sessions include team building, community resources, state and local government, agriculture and industry, healthcare, economic development, community service, etiquette, and communication skills.

“Over the past three years, our students have had the opportunity to interact with one another, build confidence, and develop skills that will prepare them for their futures. We are excited to start another year with the CCYL program and are looking for juniors across our county who are eager to join this dynamic program. Thanks to the strong support from our community, our previous years have been incredibly successful, and we are confident that this year will be just as impactful,” Dunn said.

A committee of business and community leaders will select participants. Applications are initially scored using the percentages shown on the application. From the applications, the committee will determine the number of applicants to be interviewed, schedule and perform the interviews, and select students to participate in the program based on a combination of the application and interview scores. The committee will consider the quality of the applicants, as well as the need for balanced representation from throughout Covington County.

Students selected to participate in the 2024-2025 program will be announced on the Covington County Youth Leadership, Alabama Facebook page on or before Monday, August 30.

For more information email covingtoncountyyl@gmail.com or call Dunn at 334-804-1572.