Youth Leadership
Youth LEADERSHIP – DOTHAN – Houston County
APPLY NOW
Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County is a program of the Dothan Area Chamber Foundation. The program is for high school juniors enrolled in a public or private Dothan City or Houston County school who have the potential and interest in becoming trustees of their community.
Applications are available August 17th-September 9th.
Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Objectives
- Bring together approximately 40 outstanding students from across Dothan–Houston County
- Recognize students with leadership potential and a heart for their community
- Give students a behind-the-scenes look at the people, places and organizations shaping our area
- Build leadership, communication and decision-making skills through real-world experiences
- Create lasting connections with other motivated students from across the community
Curriculum
Seven-month program with monthly day-long session from November until May. Each day students attend the session is an excused absence from school. Sessions held at different locations throughout Houston County. Classes study topics such as:
- Team Building, Leadership Skills, Communication Skills
- Health Care
- Education
- Local Government
- Economic Development
- Public Safety
How Students Benefit
- Build friendships with students from different schools and backgrounds
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at Dothan–Houston County and how our community works
- Connect with local business, government and community leaders
- Discover career, education and leadership opportunities available in our area
- Build confidence while strengthening communication, teamwork and leadership skills
Selection Criteria
- Public or private high school students entering the 11th grade attending school in Dothan/Houston County
- Must be at least 15 years of age
- Home-school applicants must be affiliated with a local home school association and reside in Houston County.
- INTERVIEWS: All applicants are required to participate in an interview with the Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County selection committee. Interviews will take place on September 22 and 23, 2026 between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. Applicants will be notified of their scheduled interview time by September 16. Please note that interviews will only be conducted during this designated time frame; alternate dates will not be available. Interview appropriate attire is requested.
Time Commitments
Participants are expected to fully participate in all five sessions (second Wednesday of each month) from 7:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and two retreats – one-day Opening Retreat and one-day Closing Retreat. Attendance at the Opening Retreat and participation in the class community service project are mandatory. Each day students attend the session is an excused absence from school.
Tuition
Tuition is $375 and covers all program costs, including meals, transportation and materials. Youth Leadership would like to have all interested participants apply to the program regardless of financial status. Partial scholarships are available.
For more information about the Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County program, contact Jessica Steltenpohl, Vice President of Investor Relations, at (334) 792-5138 or jessicas@dothan.com.
Thanks to Our Youth Leadership Dothan-Houston County Class 35 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor:
Platinum Sponsor:
Supporting Sponsors:
