Skip to main content

Alert bar for seasonal notices. #weather-closure

Youth Program

Youth Leadership Lincoln

What Students Experience 

A Connected Community 

Participants spend one day each month with peers from across Lancaster County. They quickly learn that leadership isn’t limited by school boundaries or neighborhoods, it’s built through relationships, curiosity, and shared purpose. 

Hands‑On, Real‑World Learning 

The YLL cohort is interactive, movement‑based, and intentionally designed to help students: 

  • Build leadership and teamwork skills 
  • Understand how city, county, and state government function 
  • Explore Lincoln’s business community 
  • Engage with the nonprofit and human services sectors 
  • Meet community leaders who model civic responsibility 

Students leave each session with a deeper understanding of how Lincoln works and how they can contribute to its quality of life. 

New: NHRI Mentorship Collaboration 

Beginning with the 2026–2027 cohort, every YLL participant will be paired with a mentor through the Nebraska Human Resources Institute (NHRI) Leadership Institute at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. 

This multi‑year mentorship begins during the student’s sophomore year (when students participate in YLL) and continues until high school graduation. NHRI mentors are UNL students enrolled in leadership and professional development coursework focused on relationship‑building and strengths‑based mentorship. 

Through this partnership, YLL students gain: 

  • A consistent, trained mentor who meets with them weekly during the school year 
  • A firsthand look at the college experience 
  • Support in developing confidence, communication skills, and personal leadership 
  • A relationship that often lasts well beyond high school 

This collaboration strengthens our commitment to developing young citizens who feel connected, supported, and capable of shaping their community. 

Program Structure 

Retreat 

The year begins with a two‑day retreat where students build trust, form teams, and explore group dynamics. This sets the foundation for a strong, connected cohort. Attendance at the retreat is required to participate in YLL.  

The 2026-2027 retreat will take place at Camp Carol Joy Holling, July 31 - August 1. 

Monthly Seminars 

Seminars typically fall on the last Thursday of each month, and run from 8:00 am – 2:30 pm, allowing students to return to school to participate in extracurricular activities. Students are excused for the entire school day for each seminar. Each month, students dive into themes such as: 

  • Community visions and the past, present, and future of Lincoln 
  • Business and economic development 
  • Government and public policy 
  • Human services and nonprofit leadership 
  • Health and well‑being in our community 

Application and Selection Process

Information Sessions 

Students and guardians are invited (but not required) to attend an information session to learn more about the program, the application process, and the NHRI mentorship partnership. 

In‑Person Session 

  • Monday, March 30, 2026 
  • 6:30 PM 
  • The Foundry (211 N 14th St, Lincoln, NE) 

Webinar Sessions 

  •  Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM 
  •  Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 10:30 AM 

RSVP for either webinar at https://linktr.ee/leadershiplincoln

Application 

Any student who will be in 10th grade in Lancaster County during the 2026-2027 school year is welcome to apply. Applications will open April 1, 2026 and will be available online. 

All application materials must be submitted by May 8, 2026. 

Class Selection 

Selection is highly competitive. A volunteer committee reviews applications and selects a class of approximately 40 students representing a diversity of: 

  • Experiences and interests 
  • Schools and communities 
  • Identities and abilities 

Notification & Tuition 

All applicants will be notified by email regarding their selection status no later than May 18. Tuition for Youth Leadership Lincoln is $350 for the full program year. This fee helps cover retreat costs, monthly seminar experiences, materials, and program support. 

We are committed to ensuring that cost is never a barrier to participation. Scholarships are available, and families are encouraged to request assistance if needed. Every student who is selected for the program will have a path to participate, regardless of financial circumstances 

Youth Program Details

  • Opening Retreat (August)
    Opening Retreat (August)

    A two-day, one-night seminar held at a camp near Lincoln which allows participants to explore leadership skills, group dynamics, and team-building. Attendance is required for the entire retreat.

  • Seminars (September-April)
    Seminars (September-April)

    All-day seminars scheduled on Fridays each month. The Youth cohort seeks to teach leadership skills through exposure to and interaction with the leaders of community systems.
    Attendance is required at 80% of the programming hours.

  • Community Service Project
    Community Service Project

    Participants are also expected to complete a community service project in December in lieu of a seminar day.

  • Tuition for the program is $350.00
    Tuition for the program is $350.00
    • Applying to the Youth cohort is free and open to all Lancaster County students.
    • Leadership Lincoln charges a tuition fee of $350.00 to all individuals selected to participate in the program. Tuition is nonrefundable.
    • Tuition assistance is available through a scholarship program. If an applicant is interested in scholarship support, that request must be made when their application is submitted. Scholarships will be offered to applicants at the discretion of the Selection Committee.
MENU CLOSE