Applications for next summer will open in early January 2024.

The Leadership Winter Park Youth Leaders program is Central Florida's premier leadership program for students entering their junior or senior year in high school.  The program is designed to help students develop new leadership skills and expose them to opportunities for leadership within our community. Two sessions are available each summer.  Session topics include team building, arts and culture in Winter Park, media and communications, law and government and a day for career exploration and mentoring. 

Monday through Thursday sessions run approximately from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Twenty-five community service hours are awarded upon graduation of the program. Check with your school's guidance counselor to determine how these hours will be applied and if the full twenty-five hours will be accepted.

Session Dates: One week in June and one in July 

Tuition: Tuition is $400 and is payable upon acceptance into the program. Need-based scholarships and payment plans available upon request. 

Applications: The application process for next summer opens in early January 2024. Students will be notified of acceptance in late March or early April.

Questions? Students should contact Ashley Billings at abillings@winterpark.org.

Presented By: 

Ryan and Michelle DeVos

Session Day Sponsors:

Interested in sponsoring Youth Leaders?

Contact Stacey Cox at scox@winterpark.org about this unique opportunity to capture the area's diverse teen population and their families over two separate group sessions.

 This video highlighting the Youth Leaders Class XVI experience was filmed, edited and produced by student participants. 

Kudos from Recent Graduates

"This week was the highlight of my summer. I am so glad that I did this program, and thank you so much for letting me have this life-changing opportunity. When I first came on Monday, I was not expecting to make such good friends who I am sure I will keep in touch for the rest of my life. I learned a lot about the community that I did not know before and developed as a leader." - Class XVI Graduate

 

"I came in not knowing what to expect, but my mom wasn't forcing me or anything. I learned about a lot of different careers, and came out more well-rounded and confident person. I would definitely recommend this for someone who doesn't want to commit to an intensive college program over the summer but still wants to learn." - Class XIX Graduate

 

"I came out of my shell and learned a lot about Winter Park and how to be a leader.  I met so many new people and found ways to get involved." - Class XI Graduate

 

"I did not know a single person the first day of the program but left it with great friends and memories. I will use the knowledge and skills I learned over the course of the week in my life to the fullest advantage. Youth Leaders was an amazing opportunity that I was happy to be a part of." - Class XV Graduate

 

Hear directly from Youth Leader Graduates.

Youth Leaders Class

Year after year Youth Leaders receives acclaim from its graduates, parents, teachers and community leaders.  Now in its 23rd year, Youth Leaders will offer two sessions this summer. Over the course of five days, students will learn about a variety of leadership styles, community organizations and career opportunities.  Participants also interact with community leaders, local elected officials and local non-profit organizations.

Presented by:

Ryan and Michelle DeVos

Supported by: