Leadership: Clackamas County Young Leaders Project (CCYLP)

The aim of CCYLP is to inspire and motivate young people to care about their community, believe in their ability to make a difference, and welcome the responsibilities of leadership and civic responsibility.

Implemented by the North Clackamas County Chamber and Clackamas County, and patterned after the successful Leadership Clackamas County (LCC) program for adults, recruitment is underway for 25 high school students' countywide (sophomore to senior, public, private or home schooled). The program particularly seeks those young people new to being involved, who seek a focus for their untapped leadership potential.

Students will experience rich insights into real-world issues and develop fundamental strategies in experiential, simulated and/or creative problem-solving sessions focusing on County government, business and nonprofit organizations. The program concludes with the development of a community class project.

CCYLP's five full-day and two half-day sessions will cover topics including Leadership 101, Government, Communications (with an afternoon on-camera), Education, Future Leadership and more. The project also includes a 20-25 hour paid internship at a county office which is of interest to the student. Acknowledging the life experiences and perspectives of our adult program participants are of great value to youth, and because young people are important voices to be heard and respected by adults, CCYLP will regularly orchestrate intergenerational opportunities with the adult Leadership Clackamas County program.

CCYLP strives to build community, communications, collaborations, and leadership. Annual classes begin in October. Applications will be accepted until September each year.