Youth LEAD 2026-2027 Application

Youth LEAD 2026-2027 Application

Instructions to Apply

You have the ability to save this application and finish later. The "save" button will generate an email to you with a link to your application. Do not exit the program until you have verified receipt of the email with the saved link. If prompted to create an account, please choose "Skip Create an Account". We recommend that you create your answers in a word document and copy them into the application so you have a backup.
Notify your school counselor that you have submitted an application (we'll ask for your principal or school counselor's name and email later in the application).
Application MUST be accompanied by two letters of recommendation. These will need to be attached to the corresponding section later.
DEADLINE: Friday, September 11, 2026, 5 p.m. CT
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. It is the student's responsibility to have the completed application and two letters of reference submitted by the deadline.
The schools will review the applications for the first round of selection and choose those to be submitted to the Chamber office for final selection.
Selected participants will be notified by email no later than October 1, 2026 and will need to remit a $150 non-refundable fee by the first session (October 14, 2026). Make checks payable to Leadership Paducah Foundation and send to the Paducah Chamber, 300 S. 3rd St., P.O. Box 810, Paducah, KY 42002-0810.
Any student needing financial assistance should notify their school counselor.
Questions? Call or email Frank Bennett fbennett@paducahchamber.org or Katie Walker kwalker@paducahchamber.org or 270.443.1746.

Program Selection

Participation in Youth LEAD is open to students in Paducah/McCracken County who are juniors in the 2026/2027 school year.
Participants must have full support of the school they represent and their parent/legal guardian.
COMMITMENT: Attendance at all of the sessions, community service and various homework assignments are required to complete the program. Those who do not meet these requirements will not be eligible to graduate from the program.
Applicants will be notified of selection by email no later than October 1, 2026. Schools will notify applicants not submitted to the chamber.
PLEASE REVIEW THE COMMITMENT TO THE PROGRAM BEFORE YOU APPLY.

Class Schedule

Opening Retreat/1st Class	October 14, 2026	8:30 am - 2:30 pm
2nd Class	November 4, 2026	8:30 am - 2:30 pm
3rd Class	December 2, 2026	8:30 am - 2:30 pm
4th Class	January 6, 2027	8:30 am - 2:30 pm
5th Class	February 10, 2027	8:30 am - 2:30 pm
6th Class	March 3, 2027	8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Graduation at Chamber Breakfast	April 1, 2027	7:30 am

Your High School:
First Name:
Middle Name:
Last Name:
Preferred Name (if different than First Name):
Email Address:
example@example.com
Address:

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number:
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Age:
Sex:
Date of Birth:

MonthDayYear
Date

Activity Information
List up to five school activities you have participated in during the last four years. Include: Name of Club/Organization/Sport, how long you've participated and your role.
List up to five non-school activities you have participated in during the last four years. Include: Name of Club/Organization/Sport, how long you've participated and your role.
If you haven't participated in activities, why not?

Other
If necessary, please explain the answer above.
What is your main interest of study?

0/30

Essay Questions
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

0/300
In your opinion, what responsibility do youth have to help solve community problems?

0/300
If you could change anything in Paducah/McCracken County, what would it be and why?

0/300
Why should you be chosen for Youth LEAD? What sets you apart from others?

0/300

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required to support your application. Please have these letters addressed to Youth LEAD Selection Committee and attach before submitting your application. Below, list the two individuals who are submitting your letters. Letters may not be from family members and one MUST be a school administrator or teacher.
Letter #1 from:

First NameLast Name
Letter #1 Title or Business
Letter #2 from:

First NameLast Name
Letter #2 Title or Business:
Recommendation Letter #1 (must be in pdf format)

Cancelof
Recommendation Letter #2 (must be in pdf format)

Cancelof

Selection Process

Applications will be initially reviewed at the school and the school's nominees will be forwarded to the Youth LEAD Selection Committee for review. The selection committee is comprised of members appointed by the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Leadership Paducah Alumni Association Board of Directors. Youth LEAD is a competitive opportunity. It is anticipated that not everyone who applies will be accepted.
Student Commitment

If selected, I am committed to attending each of the six sessions and graduation. I understand the goals and commitments of Youth LEAD, and if selected will devote the required time and attention to the program. I understand that if selected, a $150 non-refundable fee is due by October 14, 2026. If I need financial assistance, I will let my school counselor know.

I acknowledge that any disciplinary measures imposed by my school could affect my continued participation and standing in Youth LEAD.
Notice to Parent/Guardian

I have read the information on Youth LEAD and am willing to have my child participate. I understand it is my responsibility to provide transportation for my child to and from the sessions. In the event that transportation is required during a session, Youth LEAD, its agents, and its employees and volunteers have my full permission and consent to transport my child by an appropriate means of transportation.

I hereby release and hold harmless Youth LEAD, its members, its agents, employees or any individuals involved in planning, organizing or presenting programs, for any accident, injury, illness or any damage whatsoever related to the above mentioned student's attendance at/participation in any activity or session or Youth LEAD.

I hereby grant Youth LEAD permission to photograph my child and to publish the photos in connection with the advertisement of Youth LEAD including without limitation brochures, portfolios, flyers, catalogues and websites. I have reviewed the session schedule.

Both your parent/legal guardian and school counselor/principal will be contacted to confirm this permission/approval.
Parent/Legal Guardian

First NameLast Name
Parent/Legal Guardian Email Address
example@example.com
Parent/Legal Guardian Home Phone
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Parent/Legal Guardian Work Phone
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Parent/Legal Guardian Mobile Phone
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
School Counselor/Principal

First NameLast Name
School Counselor/Principal Email Address
example@example.com
NOTE: The deadline to submit your application is Friday, September 11th at 5 p.m. CT. Notify your school counselor that you are applying. AND...be sure to hit SUBMIT to complete your application!
Applicant's signature

You may type your name in as substitution for your handwritten signature.
Should be Empty: