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

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.