Leadership Programs

The program features full-day sessions, two overnight trips, a class project, out-of-class assignments, and a graduation celebration at the end of the program year. Participants learn about the issues and are challenged to discover how they can get involved and make a difference in their community and/or work. Chuck Carringer will continue as the Leadership Oak Ridge program director for a fourth year, and his background and experience alone are a tremendous asset to the program. 

Tuition for the program is $2000 per person. Millennium Partners receive discounts based on the membership level. A small number of scholarships are available (50% off tuition) based on need, and are awarded by the Leadership Advisory committee. Only those applicants who meet the application deadline are considered for scholarship awards.

The 2024-25 Leadership Oak Ridge Schedule is below, although subject to change. Class sessions are typically 8AM-4PM.

8/13 Welcome Reception

8/19 1st Class Session

9/26 & 9/27 Chattanooga Retreat

10/8 Class Session

11/12 Class Session

1/14 Class Session

2/11 Class Session

3/3 & 3/4 Nashville Legislative Trip

4/8 Class Session

5/13 Last Class Session

5/20 Graduation Luncheon at the Doubletree by Hilton

The deadline for applications is July 31, 2024. You should receive a follow-up email and invoice after applying.

What is Youth Leadership Oak Ridge?

Youth Leadership Oak Ridge is a year-long program focused on cultivating and fostering leadership traits for students at Oak Ridge High School. The goal is to encourage participants to extend their leadership skills into their high school community and beyond as they approach college, apprenticeships, internships, and future careers.

Participants are first nominated by teachers, coaches, administrators, or community members before going through the interview and selection process. The program is limited to 25-30 students to ensure each participant receives personalized attention in a setting that maximizes opportunities for connection and growth.

Selection officials look beyond GPA to ensure this is a program that identifies current and potential leaders beyond just the classroom – you will see students who have shown leadership traits in everything from sports to clubs, band, choir, drama, and cheer.

The curriculum is divided into four primary leadership segments that each cover a quarter of the school year – personal development, community involvement, entrepreneurship, and government.

For more information about this program, contact Kristin Waldschlager at Kristin.Waldschlager@pxy12.doe.gov or the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce at events@orcc.org.

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