Youth Leadership Iredell

The Youth Leadership Iredell program is coordinated by the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce and Iredell-Statesville Schools.

For more than 20 years, the Youth Leadership Program, a partnership between the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce and Iredell-Statesville Schools, has been developing the next generation of community leaders. Limited to just 45 students each year and offered by invitation only, this unique off-site program provides participants with the opportunity to build leadership, communication, and writing skills while expanding their knowledge of the community.

Throughout the program, students engage with leaders from local and state government, large and small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the justice system. They gain valuable networking opportunities, strengthen their public speaking abilities, connect with fellow high school students, and discover that leadership exists in every profession and every path. Our goal is to inspire students to recognize their own leadership potential and equip them with the skills and confidence to make a positive impact in their schools, workplaces, and communities.

Topics each month include art, history, culture, economic development, health and wellness, judicial and criminal systems, government operations, and stewardship.

Youth Leadership Iredell takes place off-campus on the 3rd Wednesday of each month beginning in September and ending in April. Students are required to meet at a designated location each month and complete homework and other school projects missed during these times.

Students must be invited to apply and complete the essay and online application. Every student that applies and completes the essay will be interviewed by a team of community leaders. Students must commit to attending each session. Each year we have more than 200 applicants but only 45 spots. Once applications are received an email will be sent to the student with an interview date and time. Please contact the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce at 704-873-2892 or email [email protected] for any questions.

Applications will only be accepted for students that have received an invitation to apply.

All other applicants will not be reviewed. Check your school email for notification of invite.

Click here to complete application

REQUIREMENTS & OBLIGATIONS

Submit application and essay by the deadline TDB.
Applications will not be accepted after the due date.
Be available for an interview to determine program eligibility during the school day, dates to be determined.
Provide your own transportation to/from each monthly meeting site.
Make up missed school work/projects.
Parent/Guardian permission to participate.
Student cannot miss more than 2 days or will be not be eligible to complete the program. Due to limited space and a high number of qualified applicants, attendance is mandatory.

Why should your student consider applying? Here’s what participants from the previous class are saying:

Paisley Bennett, NIHS "I think every student should be in Youth Leadership. It isn’t just about leadership. You get to broaden your knowledge and understanding on Iredell county. Additionally, you get to learn more about your peers and leaders. All of these great experiences help make a student a better leader, and that’s what we need. Youth leadership is the future of Iredell County."

Khalijah Ijames, NIHS "Youth leadership is full of amazing opportunities! 10/10 would recommend!"

Tristen Cowles, WIHS "It was an amazing opportunity to meet new people and learn from each other as well as the many people that we met."

Tiffany Dubon, SHS "The Youth leadership program has showed me that leadership is not limited to titles or popularity, it’s about knowing who you are, trusting your decisions, and having the courage to impact both people and the world around you in a positive way. Being a leader is not about having all the answers or being the loudest in the room, but about being open to growth, finding your path, and most importantly helping others to do the same."