What is Teen Leader Development?

The mission of the Teen Leader Development Leadership Program is to collaborate with area high schools, businesses, industry, and civic organizations to develop and inspire high school students to be contributing leaders in their school, community and world.

Program Goals:

The goals of Teen Leader Development are to:

1. Develop leadership skills, confidence, and character in area high school students through specific skill development, project-based learning and interaction with community leaders.
2. Build a culture and capacity for civic engagement by connecting area high school students with their community through planning and implementing a community-centered project.
3. Create collaborations among area businesses, government, nonprofit and educational sectors to help area high school students achieve their career and leadership goals in Central Wisconsin.
4. Provide an opportunity for high school students to complete the Wisconsin Youth Leadership Certificate offered through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. This includes key 21st Century skills development, applicable to post-secondary education and career success.
5. Implement curriculum based on the nationally recognized 21st Century Skills.

These skills include:

• Communicate effectively with others
• Delegate tasks as appropriate
• Collaborate productively with others
• Demonstrate cultural competence
• Demonstrate effective team-building skills
• Practice ethical behavior
• Demonstrate creativity
• Exhibit accountability
• Use critical thinking/problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate openness to learning/feedback
• Facilitate productive group processes
• Show initiative and self-direction
• Engage in strategic planning/management
• Seek/participate in learning and training

Participation Requirements:

1. Attend the opening leadership retreat at Lion’s Camp, Rosholt
2. Complete 90 hours of training and project work (includes scheduled programs)
3. Attend all scheduled program meetings and independent mentor meetings
4. Have transportation to and from meetings (carpooling encouraged)
5. With a group, design and initiate an original project for community improvement
6. Turn in a leadership portfolio with learning documents
7. Give a public presentation showcasing learning results

2023 - 2024 Program Schedule:

The following program schedule is an outline of what students should expect for participation. Dates and session themes are subject to change. Please review these session dates to ensure availability prior to your application. Participants who miss more than two of the planned meetings below may be asked to withdraw from the Teen Leader Development program.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 – 5-6:30 PM
Parent & Student Welcome
Students and their parents will be introduced to the program, review expectations and sign permission forms. At the Portage County Business Council, 5501 Vern Holmes Dr. Stevens Point – 715.344.1940

Friday, September 22 – 7:45 AM-3:00 PM
Opening Retreat at Lions Camp, Rosholt
Sponsored by UW-Stevens Point Sentry School of Business & Economics
Students will experience team-building activities, including individual and group exercises that allow students to build team spirit, trust and self-confidence. Activities will expose students to leadership techniques and problem-solving situations.

Wednesday, October 4 – 7:45 AM – 3:00 PM
Leadership through Government & Public Service
Students will have the unique opportunity to sit down with elected officials including state, county, and city representatives. Small group discussions will lead to greater understanding of the political process and citizen engagement.

Wednesday, November 1 – 7:45 AM – 3:00 PM
Leadership through Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and Community Building
Students will address critical skills of inclusivity and collaboration by examining biases and inequalities in their school, community and world.

Wednesday, December 6 – 7:45 AM – 3:00 PM
Leadership through Not for Profit
Sponsored by UW-Stevens Point Sentry School of Business & Economics
Exposing the students to the not for profit community in Portage community, will educate and provide an opportunity to make an impact.

Wednesday, February 7 – 7:45 AM – 3:00 PM
Preparing for a Successful Future: Interviewing, Resume Building & Financial Wellness
Sponsored by First State Bank
A resourceful day preparing for the student’s future, providing a wealth of useful information.

Wednesday, March 6 – 7:45 AM – 3:00 PM
Leadership through Health, Wellness, & Recreation
Sponsored by Marshfield Clinic Health System & Security Health Plan
Through facilitated workshops students will focus on the dimensions of wellness and identify goals to improve their mindfulness and wellbeing. The community’s abundance of recreational opportunities will also be highlighted.

Wednesday, April 3 – 7:45 AM – 3:00 PM
Exploring Professions
Sponsored by Mid-State Technical College
Learning about different professions, opportunities to ask questions, guidance on the path to get students heading towards their passions and profession.

Wednesday, May 1 – 7:45 AM- 3:00 PM
Sustainability
We are living in a world where there is a growing awareness on how we can all be more sustainable in our daily lives. Learning how we can make an impact will be learned in this session.

Wednesday, May 8 – 5:00-7:00 PM
Year-end Celebration Event
Sponsored by Skyward
Parents, teachers, and friends are invited to celebrate the student’s completion of this program. Group project work will be presented at this event.

***Inclement Weather Make-up Days – Feb 28, 2024 & May 1, 2024

Program Cost:

The cost of the program is $250. This tuition covers the cost of camp, meals, and workshop materials. Partial scholarships are available for students in need for the underrepresented students.
Scholarships available for underrepresented students funded by: Simplicity Credit Union & Ellis Construction

Applicant Requirements:

To be eligible for participation students must:

• Be in Junior or Senior standing during leadership year. There are exceptions and considerations for freshman and sophomores.
• Be in good academic standing (attach current transcript to application).
• Be able to participate in the activities throughout the entire next school year, as listed above.
• Complete the following application.

Application Instructions:

Return this form to your school’s main office. Instruct them to scan and send to Holly Fox, Hollyf@portagecountybiz.org.

Alternatively, it can be dropped off or mailed to Portage County Business Council, Attn: Holly Fox, 5501 Vern Holmes Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482.

Applications must be returned by May 16, 2024.

Note that space in the program is limited. Applications will be reviewed by a team from each school and students selected. Students will be notified of their acceptance or not into the program during the summer months.