Youth Leadership Polk
Inspiring Young LEADers
Youth Leadership Polk (YLP) is a FREE leadership training program for teens, focused on cultivating key leadership and employability skills.
Through a combination of site tours and classroom lessons, class members are immersed in an experiential learning curriculum that exposes them to a broad range of careers, topics, and skills – all while deepening their understanding of and pride in the history and culture of Polk County. As a bonus, class members meet and interact with influential community leaders, business professionals, elected officials, and educators from across the county to help build their networks and explore potential careers!
Being allowed the opportunity to experience and participate in the Youth Leadership Polk program has not only given me the opportunity to meet and learn about influential people in my community, it has also changed my view and definition of one.
itoro-obong solomon
ib at bartow high school
class vii
Program Goals
2026 Schedule – Class VIII
Application Window
February 17 – March 15, 2026
Orientation
April 24, 2026, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Program Intensive
June 1 – June 12, 2026
Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Job Shadowing Window
June 15 – July 17, 2026
8 hours minimum required
Capstone Project Essays & Presentations
Due – July 17, 2026
Presentations – July 20 – July 22, 2026
Graduation
July 23, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Selection Process
Nominations open annually in January for high school sophomores and juniors. Nominated students will be invited to submit a formal application in February. Students will be chosen based on the following criteria:
- Must live in Polk County and attend an accredited high school
- Academically proficient; a B average or better is recommended
- Willing and able to attend and participate in all YLP program days
Check back in January for the nomination form!
Commitment
While it is completely free to participate in YLP, it does require a serious commitment of time and focus. Class dates are published in advance and attendance is strictly enforced out of respect for the sponsors, hosts, instructors, and fellow class members and to preserve the program’s integrity.
touring the Sheriff’s Operation Center!
activity on effective communication skills.
Gardens during Southeast Polk Day.
Youth Leadership Polk is made possible by the support of the Leadership Polk Alumni Association and many generous partners and donors.
Thank you to our Class VII Sponsors!
Contact Information
Ana Saavedra
Program Manager
ana@polkvision.com
863-797-6176