Woodstock, Georgia – In June 2024, Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell will start the first ever Mayor’s Youth Leadership Academy, an event that promises to change the way young people in the city connect and lead. The five-day program, which is set to take place from June 10th to June 14th and is aimed at rising high school juniors and seniors, promises to teach participants about the ins and outs of local government while also helping them improve their leadership skills.
The City of Woodstock and the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership at the University of Georgia worked together to make this groundbreaking project a reality. The partnership demonstrates both parties’ dedication to developing the next generation of leaders by exploring in-depth public service and community activity. The participants will have a full schedule with tours of departments, interactive sessions with J.W. Fanning Institute teachers, and meetings with City Directors and attendance at a City Council Meeting to get first-hand knowledge of how the city works.
The office of Mayor Caldwell is now accepting applications from kids in Cherokee County who are interested to participate in the program, with a focus on Woodstock residents. To be considered for one of the twelve coveted spots, applicants must fill out an application, secure a recommendation that highlights their leadership capabilities, and make an interesting two-minute video explaining their goals and how they could help the community.
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In a statement, Mayor Caldwell discussed about the need for diverse leadership and said he was excited to find out what each person brings to the table in terms of unique ideas and skills.
“Leaders come from all backgrounds,” stated Mayor Caldwell. “We want to hear directly from the applicants about their unique qualifications, what they hope to learn from this opportunity, and how they can contribute back to their community.”
The application process kicks off on April 1st, with a deadline set for April 30th. Selections will be announced by May 15th. This will leave plenty of time for everyone to get ready for the program set to begin on June 10. The first day, the program will start at 12:00 p.m., but all the following days, the program will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the last day, there will be a graduation gathering to celebrate the young leaders’ accomplishments and promise for the future.
Those interested in the program should visit woodstockga.gov/youthacademy where they can find more information and application forms.
Taking this initiative is a big step toward giving Woodstock’s young people the skills and information they need to becoming great leaders.