General Information

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General Information

WHAT IS JUNIOR LEADERSHIP JACKSON (JLJ)?

JLJ is a Jackson County Chamber of Commerce sponsored, community-based, 8-month leadership program for high school students who live in Jackson County.  The curriculum will consist of a summer retreat introductory meeting, four to five (4-5) community focused field trips teamed with leadership learning sessions.  There will also be a graduation reception which parents will be invited to attend.  The program is open to juniors and seniors who attend public, private, and home-based schools. Students must meet preferred guidelines.

JLJ is meant to support the development of young leaders through structured events and educational programs in partnership with the Chamber’s Leadership Jackson program.  Participants will have an opportunity to interact with representatives of various industries and organizations as well as community leaders as part of their participation in various team-building sessions and learning activities.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

·        To develop useful skills in leadership, communication, and team building,

·        To help Jackson County leaders provide visibility to youth about the various career opportunities within Jackson County,

·        To gain insight to the inner workings of the community and how local governments function, 

·        To gain real exposure to local and community initiatives and local leaders,

·        To grow future leaders for Jackson County and beyond and

·        To have fun with peers while making a difference in the community.

WHAT KINDS OF THINGS WILL WE DO?

Learning sessions will be led by local leaders and will include engaging subjects such as economic development in the community, city information and planning, health and human services, and government/community involvement.  Participants will enjoy activities focused on county tourism, agriculture, local government/city planning and field trips to gain exposure to various organizations and industries in the community.   JLJ participants may also be encouraged to participate in the annual Leadership Jackson project or create a project of their own.  The list of potential projects is specific to the current leadership class and will, in part, be determined by participants.

WHEN WIILL WE MEET? 

1.  Economic Development

                                                                 i.      TBD – Kick off session

                                                                ii.       Team Building event and a discussion with a local leader.

                                                              iii.      Field trip to a local major manufacturer during the session.

2.  Growth Day

                                                                 i.      TBD - Full day session

                                                                ii.      Field trips to include various county facilities.

                                                              iii.      Live interaction with county officials TBD

                                                              iv.      Build your Own County Activity project

3.  Health, Family & Human Services Day

                                                                 i.      TBD– Full day session

                                                                ii.      Various Health and Human Services discussions and tours

4.  Government Day

                                                                 i.      TBD - Full day session

                                                                ii.      Joint participation with current Leadership Jackson class.

                                                              iii.      Tour the Courthouse and hear from Government Officials

 HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The cost for participating JLJ is $100.00.  The entire Class of 2025 will be provided scholarships from our gracious partners at Jackson EMC, The Jefferson Rotary.

HOW WILL JLJ PARTICIPANTS BE SELECTED?

An appointed group of representatives made up of the current Leadership Jackson Program and community leaders will review and select nominations to participate. Input may be received from the students’ schools and other outside sources.  Consideration will be given to:

·        Strength of application (particularly the Q & A portion).

·        Juniors and Seniors who have demonstrated emerging leadership qualities or have a desire to discover their own leadership capabilities.

·        Students living in Jackson County including students who attend public, private, or Jackson County Based home schools.

·        Final Interviews (in person or via Zoom) for those nominees who have been selected will take place on a predetermined schedule.  This final interview will determine the JLJ participants for the upcoming program year.

WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

This is a big commitment-and an important decision.  Please feel free to talk with or call any of the following individuals:

Heather Robison – (404) 754 – 3570 -  heather@crossanddotllc.com

Joe Hicks – 678 – 776 -2799 – jhicks@jacksonemc.com

Thom Price – (508) 561 – 2441 – tprice@visitingangels.com

Melissa Britt – (706) – 387 – 0302 – mbritt@jacksoncountyga.com

Or email any questions to JLProgram@jacksoncountyga.com

 WHEN ARE APPLICATIONS DUE?

Applications will be due on or before September 9, 2024 at 4:00pm

Applications will not be considered after this date – No Exceptions.

WHERE DO I TURN IN MY APPLICATION?

Please return your application via one of the following options:

EMAIL YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

JLProgram@jacksoncountyga.com

MAIL YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce

Attn: Junior Leadership Program

PO BOX 629

Jefferson, GA 30549

FAX YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

Fax to: (706) – 387 – 0304

Attention: Junior Leadership Program