Youth Lead Georgia (YLG) is a statewide leadership program for high school students, designed to prepare the next generation of leaders. Participants build leadership skills, explore post-high school opportunities, and engage with community issues.

The cohort program is made up of three components:

1. Four weekend retreats – these will be held in different cities across Georgia and participants are responsible for transportation to and from each session. Transportation, meals, and lodging during the sessions will be provided.
2. A four-day summer bus tour
3. A statewide leadership summit in Athens, Georgia

Any rising 10th and 11th grade students with leadership potential (12^th graders are excluded from the program due to it crossing over two school years)

A student must be nominated and then submit an application by the selected deadlines.

A student is nominated by an adult, then they will receive an email to complete an online application. Do not use a school email address for participant contact info; the application will be blocked, and the student will not receive the nomination email.

Nominated students will receive an email containing the application link for the cohort and must complete this form by the posted deadline.

Nominators, students, and parents/guardians will receive automatic notifications as nominations and applications are submitted.

Specific nomination & application dates and deadlines can be found HERE

Through a generous pledge from Chick-fil-A, there is no cost to the youth who are selected to participate in the program.

If the email address on the nomination form is a school email, it was most likely blocked. If a student was nominated but did not receive an email on a non-school account, contact info@fanning.uga.edu immediately. Application deadlines will not be extended.

Contact info@fanning.uga.edu and we will update the email listed.

Any adult who knows the student well and can speak to their leadership potential, such as teachers, counselors, community leaders, or mentors, may submit a nomination.

Specific nomination & application dates and deadlines can be found: HERE

No. Deadlines are firm and cannot be extended.

Students who accept a spot in the cohort are expected to attend all sessions—there are no exceptions. We understand that family or medical emergencies may arise; in those cases, absences will need to be reviewed and approved by program leads if and when the situation occurs. Dates will be announced beforehand to allow for planning.

The program is designed for rising 10th and 11th grade students who demonstrate leadership potential, academic commitment, and a willingness to engage in new experiences.

12^th graders are excluded from the cohort program due to the crossover of two academic years. (January – December).

12th graders may participate in the YLG Summer Summit.