Woodstock is looking to develop future leaders with the inauguration of the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Academy, a program targeting high school juniors and seniors with leadership potential. Announced by Mayor Michael Caldwell, the academy will span five days from June 10 to the 14, aiming to cultivate a strong understanding of local government functioning and leadership skills among the participants.
In a partnership with the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership, the City of Woodstock is making strides to nurture young minds interested in public service and community engagement, the youth will get a chance to visit city departments, engage with city directors, sit through sessions led by the institute’s instructors, and even attend a City Council Meeting, all designed to provide them with hands-on government experience.
Students seeking to join the ranks of this initiative must submit an application along with a teacher or school administrator's recommendation as proof of leadership qualities, according to information found on the city's website. Additionally, they're required to produce a two-minute video explaining their candidacy and how they plan to serve their community post-academy.
"Leaders come from all backgrounds," Mayor Caldwell stated, keen on drawing in youths from diverse walks of life to the academy, he's emphasizing the importance of a varied pool of applicants, committed to learning and subsequently contributing to the betterment of Woodstock. Eligible students from Cherokee County can grab this opportunity, though residents of Woodstock will nab priority; the final selection will see twelve aspiring leaders stepping into the program's inaugural cohort.
Applications are set to go live on April 1, and the deadline for submission is a strict April 30, keep an eye on the calendar, those selected will receive notifications by May 15. With the first day commencing at noon, subsequent days will kick off at 9 a.m. and wrap up by 4 p.m., all leading to a closing graduation reception on the last day, marking the culmination of what promises to be an immersive and educational experience.
