THE PROGRAM

 A collaborative effort between The Hawkinsville/Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, The University or Georgia Cooperative Extension Agency, The Pulaski County Board of Education and several other businesses and organizations. Youth Leadership Pulaski County (YLPC) will be one of about 15 youth leadership development programs in Georgia. It is patterned after adult organizations like Leadership Pulaski and Leadership Georgia.

 THE MISSION

 An on-going annual youth leadership development program will make for a better informed citizen with a greater awareness of issues and a better ability to step forward as future leaders in government business and in service.

 THE GOAL

 The Hawkinsville and Pulaski County infrastructure--its government, economy, quality of life --has the potential of achieving significant strides in the decades ahead. However, it is imperative that young men and women, our future leaders, be made aware of the issues and problems that are having a critical impact upon the future.

 THE PROCESS

 Students enrolled in grades 10-12 are eligible for participation in YLPC. About 12 participants are selected after consideration of their proven and potential leadership abilities. An effort is made to have classes reflect the diversity of the community. The program will run from September through May.

 Using the Youth Leadership In Action:: A Community Focus curriculum of the University of Georgia Fanning Leadership Center, sessions are based upon the components or a three-phase model:

 +    Individual Leadership/Personal Skills --Students will examine the leader as an individual and will work to develop their own personal enhancement plans.

 +    Collective Leadership/Group Skills --Students explore working with others to, achieve common goals and objectives.

 +    Community Leadership/Community Skills - Students will analyze community needs, issues, and problems as well as seek possible solutions.

 THE SESSIONS

 Students will meet regularly in complete the session, usually after school or on Saturdays. There may be an occasional school day session. A Saturday retreat will be the start of the program followed by sessions concentrating on the following: local and state government, the arts, area business and the economy, social issues, team building, law enforcement, the military and agriculture. The group will also choose and complete a volunteer project. Local business will be encouraged to promote this program through donations and by hosting sessions. No more than two absences are allowed, after the second absence, the student will be withdrawn from the program.

 THE CLASS

 A selection committee of business leaders and teachers will review the applications and nominations and then conduct interviews as necessary. The inaugural class selection may vary as deemed necessary.