Schedule:
The 2026–2027 Youth Leadership Program schedule:SEPTEMBER 19 – PROGRAM KICKOFF
Location: Warren-Forest Higher Education Council
589 Hospital Drive, Suite F, Warren

Our first session will provide a basic introduction to leadership and give students an opportunity to get to know one another. Each student will also receive a printed copy of the schedule.

OCTOBER 24 – LEADERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Location: 3 Pillarz Farm in Columbus

Students should arrive at Hi-Ed by 8:10 a.m. and will travel to the farm by bus. We expect to return to Hi-Ed at approximately 12:45 p.m. for parent pickup.

Students will explore leadership in agriculture, learn about entrepreneurship, and experience the work involved in operating a local farm.

Please have your child wear boots, if available, and dress appropriately for the weather.

NOVEMBER 30 – ADAPTABILITY AND RESILIENCE
Location: Goat Fort Indoor Climbing

Students will have an opportunity to climb while learning how adaptability, perseverance, and resilience help people become stronger leaders.

Please make sure your child wears or brings socks for this session.

JANUARY 15 – PROBLEM-SOLVING AND ADAPTABILITY
Location: Whirley-DrinkWorks, Harmar Street facility

Students will tour the facility and learn how problem-solving and adaptability contribute to leadership and success in a modern workplace.

For safety, students must:

Wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes.
Remove all jewelry.
Have long hair securely tied back.

FEBRUARY 15 – LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
Location: City of Warren Municipal Building
Please meet at the front entrance.

Students will hear from representatives of local government, law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical services. They will learn how leadership is demonstrated every day by the people responsible for serving and protecting our community.

MARCH 8 – TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION
Location: Warren General Hospital
Please meet at Main Entrance 1.

Students will tour several areas of the hospital, including the laboratory, and learn how different departments work together to provide high-quality patient care.

APRIL 12 – DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED

We are still finalizing the location and activities for this session and will share the information as soon as it is confirmed.

MAY 10 – INNOVATION AND ADAPTABILITY
Location: Cameron Energy on Route 6 toward Clarendon

Students will learn about the oil and gas industry and explore why effective leaders must remain current, embrace innovation, and adapt to new technology and changing ways of doing business. Students will also have an opportunity for a supervised, hands-on experience with heavy equipment.

Please have your child wear closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

MAY 15 – FORESTRY CAREERS AND STEWARDSHIP OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Location: Chapman’s Dam

Students will explore careers in forestry and learn how responsible leadership includes protecting and caring for our region’s beautiful forests, waterways, and other natural lands for future generations.

Students should wear sneakers and dress appropriately for the weather.

SPRING TRIP TO HARRISBURG

The program will also include a trip to Harrisburg this spring. We will provide the date, schedule, transportation details, and other important information once arrangements are finalized.

Thank you in advance for supporting both this program and your child throughout the year. Youth Leadership is designed to be fun, but it will also encourage students to step outside their comfort zones, try unfamiliar things, meet new people, and discover what leadership can look like in their own lives.

We are looking forward to a wonderful year together!

Most sessions will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on days when students already have off from school. Please note that a limited number of sessions or special activities may be scheduled after school or on weekends as needed.

Snacks: Snacks will be provided during each session to help keep participants energized and engaged.

Transportation: Parents/guardians are responsible for arranging transportation to and from all program sessions and activities.

Benefits of Participation:

Build confidence and leadership skills through hands on activities and real world experiences.
Develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, decision making, and critical thinking.
Learn from local business, nonprofit, and community leaders while exploring a variety of career paths.
Gain a greater understanding of the community through service projects and interactive experiences.
Eligible participants will have the opportunity to participate in an end of year educational field trip. Attendance requirements apply.
Form lasting friendships with students from across Warren County who share an interest in leadership and community involvement.