Young people from across the state are developing their leadership skills thanks to a summit at the University of Georgia.
As part of the Youth LEAD Georgia program, more than 100 high school students representing more than 75 counties attended the inaugural Youth LEAD Georgia Summit June 18-19 at UGA.
“The summit provided a unique opportunity to collaborate with my peers and have some really good discussions using skills I have learned in the program,” said Amelia Claire Anderson, an inaugural Youth LEAD Georgia class member from Trenton who also attended the summit.
Summit attendees participated in a discussion about concerns and opportunities they see as high school students in Georgia, facilitated by UGA J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development faculty with assistance from members of the inaugural Youth LEAD Georgia class.
In addition, the youth attended sessions to build leadership skills such as emotional intelligence, communication and digital citizenship.
“I have never been to something like this before and it was really fun,” said Alicia Jenkins of Lee County. “I learned life skills that will help me step up in my community to be a leader.”
Youth also had an opportunity to network with each other and build relationships.
“It was nice getting to know other people and the sessions on communication and emotional intelligence were interesting and gave me skills I can apply in my job,” said Makyn Childers of Heard County.
The UGA Fanning Institute organized the summit in partnership with Georgia 4-H. The Youth LEAD Georgia Summit, which is part of the Youth LEAD Georgia program, is made possible by a $1.5 million contribution from Chick-fil-A, Inc., and an additional charitable investment by The Same House, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization.
Rodney Bullard, CEO of The Same House, emphasized to the youth that they have an opportunity to make a difference in his keynote address.
“You learn the lessons of leadership at this summit,” Bullard said. “The magic is when you decide you have something you can give back. Anyone can be a leader.”
Through both the annual summit and the year-long program, Youth LEAD Georgia is designed to equip youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to be the future leaders of the state and then learn how to put those skills and knowledge into action and work together to tackle the challenges that impact Georgia’s future vitality.
“Leadership development is about more than learning skills,” said Lauren Healey, UGA Fanning Institute public service faculty. “It involves working with others and applying those skills. Youth LEAD Georgia and this summit create opportunities for these young people to prepare themselves to lead in their schools and communities both now and in the future.”
Youth LEAD Georgia program goals include supporting youth in developing and improving leadership skills, helping youth explore opportunities and develop skills for success after high school, enhancing awareness and understanding of the challenges and opportunities of communities in Georgia, building relationships across the state for young leaders to use as a future resource, and empowering youth to become more involved in community issues.
“Youth LEAD Georgia has taught me a lot about collaborating, active listening and servant leadership,” Anderson said.
Nominations for the 2025 Youth LEAD Georgia class are open through Sept. 1 and nominated students will have until Sept. 30 to apply. The 2025 Youth LEAD Georgia class is open to any student who is entering 10th or 11th grade in the 2024-25 academic year.
For more information on nominating a student for Youth LEAD Georgia, click here.
The next Youth LEAD Georgia summit will take place in July 2025 at UGA.
