Cultivate, Develop Young Citizens
About the Program
The Leadership Johnson County Youth Leadership Academy is a five-month program designed to bring together a select group of Johnson County High School students to learn more about their community and practice leadership skills in a fun learning environment.
Each program day is designed to foster an opportunity for increased self-awareness, a better understanding of the local community and an opportunity to meet and network with peers from across Johnson County. Modeled after the LJC Signature Program, the Youth Leadership Academy will provide students with an extraordinary opportunity for in-depth leadership training from experts around the state.
Youth Leadership Program participants will:
- Network with community leaders and peers.
- Practice project management skills through a community project of their own design.
- Participate in the True Colors personality assessment and have an opportunity to participate in MBTI.
- Learn more about Johnson County's history and current county government.
- Upon completion of the program, students will earn 1 college credit at Franklin College.
Program Requirements
Youth Leadership Academy participants must:
- Attend an opening retreat in late July.
- Attend 4 regularly scheduled class dates throughout the year.
- Attend and present at the graduation celebration.
- Complete a community service project.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be a sophomore or junior at the time of application completion.
- Class members must commit to full participation in the program.
- Class members must agree to abide by all LJC – Youth Leadership Academy policies and procedures.
- Must be a resident of Johnson County or attend a high school located in Johnson County.
Nominate Someone
Do you know a high school student who would benefit from our Youth Leadership Academy? If you wish to recommend a candidate for our next class, please fill out the form. Applicants who are nominated will receive an application with a note regarding who nominated them for participation.
I joined so that I could learn how to be a better leader for the people around me and become a better person overall.
Franklin Community High School
Take the Next Steps
Application Process
Applications MUST be typed and submitted online. Hand-written applications will not be accepted.
Selection Process
A review committee appointed by the LJC Board of Trustees will select participants based on the COMPLETED application.
Your selection into the class is based upon your application.
You are encouraged to be DETAILED and use this opportunity to highlight your passions and achievements.
Tuition
The cost to participate in the 2025-2026 Leadership Johnson County Youth Leadership Academy is $500.
Tuition is due in full by July 1. There are no refunds after this date.
A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required at the time of acceptance into the program. The deposit is included in the full tuition amount.
Schoalrships are available, but a separate scholarship application is required.
Please contact Tandy Shuck at tshuck@leadershipjohnsoncounty.org to request a scholarship application. Please note the scholarship application is due at the same time as the regular application and must be completed by March 9, 2025.
2025-2026 Programs
Saturday, July 26, 2025 (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) - Opening Retreat
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 (8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.) Graduation
I wanted to get outside of my comfort zone and learn to be a better leader for my community. LJC has done all of that and so much more.
Whiteland Community High School
Class of 2024-2025
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Sophia Thompson Franklin Community High School
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Gracie Werden Indian Creek High School
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