What is Teen Leadership Waco?
Teen Leadership Waco (TLW) is a Greater Waco Chamber program that gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look at how their community works and the people who lead it.
Modeled after the Chamber’s Leadership Waco program, TLW brings together students from across McLennan County to learn about the businesses and organizations that make Waco work. Class days focus on areas such as local government, economic development, healthcare, nonprofits, history, and law and public safety.
Throughout the year, students meet community leaders, learn about their careers, hear about the challenges they face and the decisions they make, and have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from their experiences.
TLW also gives students opportunities to develop their own leadership skills through leadership development, team-building, service and time spent with students from other schools.
By the end of the program, students have a better understanding of their community, have been introduced to a wide range of careers and community leaders, and have had opportunities to grow as leaders themselves.
Who Can Apply?
TLW is open to high school sophomores and juniors in McLennan County, including homeschool students. Each year, only 25 students are selected through a competitive application process reviewed by Chamber volunteers.
Strong applicants show a clear commitment to leadership and community involvement.
What’s the Time Commitment?
Classes meet one Monday per month from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with an additional service day (likely on a weekend during the school year or one day during the summer). You will only be permitted to miss one class day, so please look at your calendar to make sure you can be present each day.
Please note: TLW runs the calendar year (February 2027-December 2027).
Application deadline: Wednesday, November 9
Parent Orientation: Monday, January 11, 2027 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Class 1 - Orientation Retreat - February 1, 2027
Class 2 - Leadership Development - March 1, 2027
Class 3 - History Day – March 22, 2027
Class 4 - Economic Development Day – April 26, 2027
Summer Break: June - August (possible service day)
Class 5 - Community Partners Day - September 13, 2027
Class 6 - City & County Day - October 4, 2027
Class 7 - Healthcare & Education Day - November 1, 2027
Class 8 - Law & Order Day - December 6, 2027
Tuition & Sponsorships
We want every student who is selected for Teen Leadership Waco to be able to participate, and we’ll work alongside you to make tuition manageable.
Total Tuition: $525
Your $25 application fee is credited toward this amount, leaving $500.
$100 Sponsorship (required)
Every student raises $100 of tuition through a local business or community member. If you don’t already have a sponsor connection, we’ll introduce you to a community partner who is eager to help.
Remaining Balance: $400
– Students and/or Families are responsible for this portion.
– Students may choose to raise additional sponsorships to cover some—or all—of the remaining balance. Again, we are happy to make introductions, if needed.
Support Options:
– The Chamber can help with sponsor introductions.
– Extended payment plans are available.
To secure your spot, an initial payment of $250 is due by the March 1st class date, with the remaining balance due before summer break.
Please note: No refunds are available.
When is the application deadline?
Monday, November 9, 2026
Questions?