Young Leaders of East Alabama
The Next Generation of Leaders
East Alabama Young Leaders is a leadership development program for high school students in Russell and Lee counties. Through hands-on experiences, community visits, and leadership activities, students gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges in East Alabama while developing the skills needed to become future leaders.
It's made possible through a collaborative partnership between the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce, Chattahoochee Valley Community College, and Troy University. This partnership allows students to experience leadership development while also gaining valuable academic and career exposure.
Through the program, participants can earn dual-enrollment college credit, and students may also have the opportunity to participate in international study abroad opportunities (this year we're headed to Costa Rica!), where they can explore how communities and economies operate in a global context.
By combining leadership training, academic opportunities, and real-world experiences, this partnership helps prepare students to become informed, engaged leaders ready to contribute to the future of East Alabama and beyond.
Program Sponsors
WHAT DOES A YEAR IN YOUNG LEADERS LOOK LIKE?
-
Summer Leadership Retreat: The program begins with a three-day leadership retreat at Troy University, where students stay on campus and start building relationships with their fellow participants. During the retreat, students complete personal leadership assessments, team-building activities, scavenger hunts, public speaking exercises, and other interactive experiences designed to build confidence and strengthen leadership skills. All retreat expenses are covered as part of the program.
-
Monthly Leadership Days (August–April): From August through April, students participate one day each month, typically held on a Wednesday. These program days are approved as excused absences from school, allowing students to take part in hands-on learning experiences throughout the community.
-
Themed Community Experiences: Each month focuses on a different theme that helps students better understand how East Alabama operates and the opportunities available to them. Program days may include History Day, Economic Development Day, Career Day, Healthcare Day, State Capitol Day, United Way Day, Public Safety Day, and more.
-
Hands-On Learning: During these experiences, students visit local businesses, organizations, and institutions, meeting the leaders who help shape and serve the community.
-
Community Insight: Through these immersive experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of the industries, services, and partnerships that help East Alabama thrive.
-
Program Cost: The cost for the entire year-long program is $300 per student, which includes the summer retreat, all program activities, food, and transportation.