Step Into Leadership. Discover What’s Possible.
The First Community Bank Youth Leadership Weakley County program is your chance to explore the people, places, and possibilities shaping your hometown. Make new friends. Tour local industries. Build confidence and leadership skills. If you're ready to lead and want to see what your future could hold right here in Weakley County, this is where it starts.
🎯 Mission
Our mission is to empower future leaders by helping students explore their local communities, build leadership and teamwork skills, and understand the opportunities that exist right here in Weakley County. This program is for students who want to make an impact, take initiative, and learn how to work together for a better future.
🧠 What is Youth Leadership?
Youth Leadership Weakley County (FCBYLWC) is an exciting opportunity for high school sophomores to:
► Learn how communities function;
► Gain leadership, communication, and teamwork skills;
► Explore industries and career paths in the area;
► Connect with students and professionals across the county.
Students who complete the program will earn ½ high school credit, make meaningful connections, and become part of a growing network of local leaders. The program is open only to students who are enrolled with Weakley County Schools.
👤 Who Can Participate?
Eligible students must be a current sophomore in Weakley County Schools (Dresden High, Gleason High, Greenfield High, and Westview High), have at least a 2.5 GPA, be in good academic standing with no significant discipline or attendance issues, and commit to attending and participating in all sessions. Some schools require a higher GPA and/or other requirements. Check with your high school counselor to determine if you aren'ts sure if you're eligible to apply.
📅 When Does the Program Take Place?
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Applications Open: August 17, 2026
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Applications Close: Friday, September 17, at 5:00PM
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Selections Announced: Students will be notified between September 28-October 2, 2026
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Program Runs: October 2026 through April 2027
Session days begin at 7:50 AM and end by 2:00 PM, so students return to school before dismissal.
📝 How Are Students Selected?
Selection is done through a blind review process. Judges will only see application materials with coded identifiers—no names, addresses, or personal details.
Applicants must submit:
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A completed application
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Two letters of recommendation from community leaders
The selection team looks for leadership potential, strong academics, and a commitment to community service. Only five students per high school will be chosen.
💡 This Year’s Focus: Making Connections
The focus of this year's program is "making connections." Throughout the program, students will have opportunities to build relationships with one another and connect with business leaders, professionals, educators, and community members across Weakley County. These connections can become valuable resources as students begin making decisions about their futures. The people they meet may offer advice, share their experiences, introduce them to someone in a field that interests them, or help them better understand the path toward a future career. Just as importantly, students will learn that being a connector works both ways. By building relationships, asking questions, staying engaged, and learning who and what is available in their community, they begin creating a network they can draw on and contribute to for years to come.
Program sessions include:
- Monday, October 5, 2026 - Intro to Program Meeting with Parents at 4:00 PM at the Weakley County Schools Board of Education, 8319 Highway 22, Dresden, TN 38225
- Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - Kickoff, Team Building, and Strategic Planning Session
- Wednesday, October 21, 2026 - Quality of Life Session
- Wednesday, November 4, 2026 - Post-Secondary Education Readiness Session
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026 - Agriculture Session
- Wednesday, December 9, 2026 - Local Government Session
- Wednesday, February 17, 2027 - Economic Development Session
- Wednesday, March 17, 2027 - State Government Session, Charter Bus to State Capitol in Nashville, 6:00 AM until 5:30 PM
- Wednesday, April 14, 2027 - Finance and Investing Session
- Tuesday, April 20, 2027 - Leadership Graduation and Weakley Chamber Membership Awards Banquet, 5:45 PM-8:45 PM
💰 How Is It Funded?
The program is generously sponsored by First Community Bank of the Heartland. Thanks to their support, there is no cost for students and their families to participate. Additional support comes from Weakley County Schools, Weakley County Municipal Electric System, Parker Hannifin Sporlan Division, Stanley Black and Decker, and other local partners.
📥 How and When to Apply
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Applications are open August 17, 2026-September 17, 2026 at 5:00PM. The application closes at 5PM on 9/17/26 with no exceptions.
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All applications must include two letters or reference/recommendation.
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Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
