YLWF 2026-27 APP

About the program:

Youth Leadership Wake Forest is a year-long program for 10th-12th grade students who have demonstrated leadership abilities and have interest in learning about our community. Our mission is for participants to assume leadership roles in our schools and to become more involved in civic, cultural, economic development, and philanthropic organizations. Youth Leadership Wake Forest requires a community reference. The class is limited to 20 students. Tuition for the year is $500 per student. Tuition includes lunch and snacks, program materials, t-shirts, name badges, journals, rental fees, and facilitator time. Applications are due by August 1st, 2026 to be considered for the program. Applicants will be notified by August 15th, 2026 of their acceptance into the program.
All sessions are from 9 am - 1 pm (exception: Graduation 4:30-6:30 pm) and are an approved school field trip, chaperoned by school staff and adults from the Chamber business community. Session topics and dates:
- Orientation (September 16, 2026)
- Town History (October 21, 2026)
- Teamwork & Leadership Styles (November 18, 2026)
- Building a Personal Brand/Interview Skills (December 16, 2026)
- Career Paths (January 27, 2027)
- Civic Leadership and Economic Development (February 17, 2027)
- Economic Development (March 17, 2027)
- Finance and Budget Management (April 21, 2027)
- Graduation (May 19, 2026)
Student Name

First NameLast Name
Student's High School
Student's Grade in the 2026-2027 school year:
Student Email
example@example.com
Student Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Student's T-Shirt Size (please note: shirts are unisex)
Home Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Parent/Guardian Name

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Email
example@example.com
Parent/Guardian Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Who would you like us to contact as your community reference? He/she may be any adult in the community that has known you for over a year and can attest to your leadership (coach, teacher, pastor, family friend, etc.)

First NameLast Name
What is your community reference's email?
example@example.com
How do you know your community reference?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS

These questions must be completed BY THE STUDENT. Applications left blank will not be accepted for the program.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
How did you hear about the program?
Who has been a leader in your life that you admire and why?
What one moment has impacted you most in your life?
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
In what ways are you hoping to give back to your community?
PLEASE HAVE YOUR PARENT SIGN BELOW: As the parent/guardian of the applicant, I release the Wake Forest Area Chamber and its Foundation of any liability regarding transportation to and from the program. I also consent to my child's photo being used on the Youth Leadership website as promotion and advocacy of the program.
Thank you for applying! Applications are due by Aug 1st, 2026 in order to be considered for the program. Applicants will be notified by Aug 15th, 2026 of their acceptance into the program.
Should be Empty:

About the program:

APPLICATION QUESTIONS