Youth Leadership Cary is an exciting program for current high school juniors that began in 1998 and is sponsored by the Cary Chamber of Commerce. Designed to focus on developing the potential of future leaders, the program covers a wide variety of topics that will help participants understand critical parts of how businesses, communities and individual leaders work together. This understanding and knowledge will put students in a position to make a difference and be a true leader as they face the future.
Through a specific application process, a total of 40 juniors will be invited to participate in the program. Students will be selected from the following area high schools: Athens Drive, Cary, Green Hope, Middle Creek, Panther Creek, and Wake STEM. The group will meet monthly for six months at a site relative to the topic.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP CARY 2026-2027
Youth Leadership Cary is a program that builds our Cary area high school students into tomorrow’s leaders. The selected group of students are led through 5 months of programs that are built to teach them more about the community they are a part of and how to be great leaders of it. Below are the sessions and dates confirmed for 2026-2027:
Leadership Development Skills & Team Building
Tuesday, November 17
The Leadership Development Skills discussion provides opportunities to enhance leadership skills, promote character development, learn the importance of networking and communication skills, and provide a chance to develop a personal mission statement. The teambuilding activities are designed to stimulate teamwork, encourage cooperation, and instill trust and confidence.
Economic Development and Business Tours
Tuesday, December 15
Students will have the opportunity to hear from local economic developers and hear updates for the Town of Cary. Students will also tour local businesses.
Wake County Government
Tuesday, February 16
This session will provide students with a better understanding of the inner workings of Wake County Government. Participants will have the opportunity to meet their local representatives at the county level, as well as tour some of the government offices and courthouses.
Town Government
Tuesday, March 23
This is an opportunity for students to get an in-depth look at Cary Government and opportunities for future involvement. The Town Manager, Town Council members, and the Mayor will discuss the inner working of Cary’s government. They will also tour multiple Town of Cary facilities.
Program Graduation/Community Service Project
Wednesday, April 20
Family, friends, and sponsors are invited to celebrate the accomplishment of the students. This event congratulates the students for their participation and their focus on becoming a future community leader. Following graduation, a service project will be performed.
Requirements:
Students must in 11th grade.
Students must be able to miss at least five school days for YLC events during the school year, and have the ability to maintain excellent grades.
The program is designed to find students who have POTENTIAL for leadership, but need that extra push to become a leader in school and community activities.
Students must be able to attend all YLC meetings, which are held every month from 7:30am-1:30pm.
Applications are due by August 28th at the link below.