Youth Leadership Columbia County is 9 month long program designed to educate through experience and motivate young leaders and enable them to take an active role in their community. This will result in strong leaders who have hope for the future and the tools to influence a positive and progressive community.

Participants must be rising sophomores, juniors or seniors in Columbia County high schools or residents of Columbia County. They are selected after consideration of their recognized and potential leadership and the merit of their application. The Selection Committee strives to achieve a geographical, racial and socio-economic balance in their selections.

Applications for the Class of 2026 have closed.

Class of 2026 Class Days

(tentative schedule, these days are subject to change)

Saturday, August 2nd - Team Building Day

Thursday, August 28th - Community Services & Professional Development Day

Saturday, September/October TBD - Group Community Service Day

Thursday, October 2nd - History Day

Thursday, November 13th - Law Enforcement and Military Day

Thursday, December 4th - Media and Arts Day

Thursday, January 8th - Local Government & Economic Development Day

Thursday, February TBD - Capitol Day (Atlanta)

Thursday, March 12th - Healthcare Day

Tuesday, April 21st - Graduation