Youth Leadership

The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Flagler program rolled out its Youth Leadership Flagler in September 2013. Thanks to the efforts of local sponsors, the Chamber and the Young Professionals Group of Flagler County kicked off the program with ten high school juniors who wanted to learn about their community while becoming stewards of it. Modeled after Leadership Flagler, a program that develops aspiring leaders of Flagler County, the youth program provides participating students with a better understanding of Flagler County for community-improvement purposes.

Now in its third year, Youth Leadership is looking for its next group of students to take part in this program. Ten participants will be selected (four from Flagler Palm Coast High School, four from Matanzas High School and two others if applicable from i3, home school or private school). 

The application deadline is April 3, 2015. The selection team will review all applications and conduct finalist interviews during the week of April 20 - 24, 2015. All applicants will be notified in writing of the Selection Team’s decision by May 1, 2015. 

TUITION AND SCHOLARSHIPS

If selected, the cost per participant is $25.00 (payable to the Flagler Chamber Foundation by May 20, 2015). This fee is non refundable. If payment is not received by this date, an alternate will be selected in your place. Scholarship Information is available upon request. For more information, please contact the Flagler County Chamber at 386-437-0106.

Youth Leadership Flagler sessions are held one day a month from September 2015 to March 2016 with a reception/orientation in May 2015 at the Flagler Chamber.

The following is the tentative program calendar schedule:

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Opening Reception/Orientation – Flagler County Chamber of Commerce

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2015, 8:00 AM – 2 PM LUNCH INCLUDED
Opening Retreat at Flagler County Chamber of Commerce

The first session would encourage class participation, cooperation and learning through group exercises, explanation and completion of the DISC assessment, and a guided discussion about what makes a good leader. Select chamber members would be asked to join the session to share examples from their own experiences as business leaders and owners. 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, NOVEMBER 18 AND DECEMBER 9, 2015

History of the Industries in Flagler County

Participants would gain a better understanding of the industries that played key roles in Flagler County’s evolution, from its early agricultural roots, through the real estate boom to today’s efforts to drive future growth. The sessions will spend considerable time exploring three currently relevant industries: agriculture, real estate and healthcare. Specific attention will be paid to illustrating how current demographics impact these segments and what this means for the future of our community.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 

Technology in Government Day

Participants will see how local businesses and government entities use technology to improve operating efficiencies, while on a “behind the scenes” guided tour of the Government Services Building & Flagler County Courthouse. The students will have an opportunity to interact with local elected officials, including the mayors of Palm Coast, Bunnell and Flagler Beach. 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016

Natural Resources Day

Participants will tour the water plant & local “green” facilities to gain an appreciation of local efforts to become one of the most environmentally friendly and green communities in Florida. Additionally, this session will explore how this eco-friendly movement will help drive future economic growth and development. 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

Culture & Tourism Day

Candidates will get enjoy a closer look at the Flagler Arts industry. The itinerary will continue to Hammock Beach Resort and Marineland Dolphin Adventure to see why thousands of visitors come back every year to enjoy Flagler County and what it has to offer.

The inaugural program was supported by local sponsors: 

Ameris Bank 
Preferred Management Services, Inc. 
Landcare Management
JBirney Financial
Johnson Orthodontics
ServPro of Flagler County

“The idea of youth learning about the local community where they are raised aligns with the Chamber’s efforts to build a stronger business community for the future. If students know more about their community, then they become empowered and inspired to come back here to do great things,” said sponsor John “JB” Birney, owner of JBirney Financial.
 
Program topics include leadership skills; Flagler County’s business history; demographics and their effect on the economy; government operations; environmental responsibility; and local arts, culture & leisure.
 
For more information, call 386-437-0106. Click to download the application to be considered for this great program.