CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA CHAMBER
OPELIKA — The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that applications for this year’s Lee County Young Leaders are now open.
The Lee County Young Leaders Program is a year-long, county-wide leadership experience for high school juniors and seniors across Lee County. Through hands- on sessions, small-group discussions and real-world experiences, students build leadership skills while forming meaningful connections with peers and some of the area’s most respected business, nonprofits and community leaders.
Participants gain practical tools in communication, teamwork, problem-solving and civic engagement while learn- ing how their community works behind the scenes. By the end of the program, students leave with a strong professional net- work, a deeper understanding of local leadership and the confidence to step into future roles on boards, committees and service organizations.
Our goal is simple: to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders who will invest their talents back into Lee County
and help our community thrive.
Lee County Young Leaders begins in Septem- ber 2026 and consists of one session per month until April 2027. In addition, there will be a mandatory orientation session in the month prior to the first class session and a Gradu- ation in April. Participants are exposed to a variety of viewpoints that illustrate the political, educational and social factors at work in Lee County. They will meet area leaders in business, media, government, education and service organizations. The student also receives a one-hour Leadership credit to Southern Union State Community College.
Among other criteria, applicants must attend a city or county regionally accredited high school (private or home school) in Lee County and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
“The Opelika Chamber is proud to lead this joint initiative to help build up a diverse group of thriving students and prepare them for the future,” said Presi- dent and CEO Ali Rauch. “We can’t wait to see what this year’s applicants have to offer. These kids are truly the best and brightest, and we want them to thrive and grow right here in Lee County.”
Each application will be judged anonymously based on application neatness, extracurricular activities, career choice, hobbies and leadership potential with only 34 high school juniors being selected each year.
All applicants must submit their applications by April 17, 2026, to be considered.
The Lee County Young Leaders program is a joint initiative among Lee County businesses, municipalities and Chambers of Commerce. It is sponsored by the city of Opelika, city of Auburn, Opelika City Schools, Auburn City Schools and the Lee Coun- ty Board of Education.
For more information about the program visit www.opelikachamber.com/ leadership-development/ lcyl/.
To apply to join the Lee County Young Leaders Program visit www.docs. google.com/forms/d/e/ 1FAIpQLScmNVWTo- BEE-g3VwbINt1ZcEe8ul- spKflDSii2S-LI66seHIg/ viewform.
