Youth Leadership

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.

Program Brochure

🎯 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 at a Weakley County high school, 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. High school counselors will help determine eligibility before applications are issued.

📅 When Does the Program Take Place?

Applications Open: August 2025
Applications Close: Friday, August 29, 2025 at 5:00PM
Selections Announced: September 2025
Program Runs: October 2025 through April 2026

Session days begin at 7:50 AM and end by 2:00 PM, so students return to school before dismissal. Dates are coming soon, and the application will be available in mid-August on this web page.

📝 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:

A completed application
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: Opportunity in Every Corner

You’ll tour major local employers and explore careers you may never have considered, from engineering and production to IT, HR, marketing, and logistics. You’ll hear from business owners, government officials, and community changemakers who are working to make Weakley County stronger. This program shows students how diverse career paths can lead to success right here at home.

Program sessions include:

Tuesday, September 30, 2025 - 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 1, 2025 - Kickoff, Team Building, and Strategic Planning Session
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 - Quality of Life Session
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - Post-Secondary Education Readiness Session
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - Agriculture Session
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - Local Government Session
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - Local Education Session
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 - State Government Session, Charter Bus to State Capitol in Nashville - 6:00 AM until 5:30 PM
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - Economic Development Session
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 - Finance and Investing Session
Thursday, April 23, 2026 - Leadership Graduation and Weakley Chamber Membership Awards Banquet at 5:45 PM in UT Martin Boling University Center Ballroom

💰 How Is It Funded?

The program is generously sponsored by First Community Bank of the Heartland, with additional support from Weakley County Schools, Weakley County Municipal Electric System, Parker Hannifin Sporlan Division, Stanley Black and Decker, and other local partners. Thanks to their support, there is no cost for students and their families to participate.