MOULTRIE, Ga. — The Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Committee is now accepting applications for youth and adults for the 2017-2018 Leadership Colquitt County Program.  

This program identifies potential community leaders, both adults and high school students, and provides them opportunities to study various community and governmental agencies. Participants will gain leadership and problem-solving skills and will explore local community issues through hands-on learning and through a mentor/student relationship. Youth participants selected for the program will be students who will be enrolled as a junior or senior as of August 2017.

“Leadership Colquitt County is a unique opportunity for participants to go ‘behind the scenes’ and learn how our community works,” said a press release from the chamber. “Topics include county/city government, judicial system, education, social services, economic development, chamber of commerce, agriculture, tourism, medical services, arts, local history, and local industry. Activities also include leadership skills training and a trip to the state capital to meet our elected officials. Employer and teacher support are encouraged due to the time commitment required for class attendance.”

Youth participants are accepted into the program through a selection committee composed of chamber board members, chamber Workforce Development Committee members, and Leadership Colquitt County alumni. Applicants are required to submit a detailed application and provide two recommendation forms.

A Leadership Colquitt County information meeting will be held at Colquitt County High School on Wednesday, March 15, from 1 to 1:45 p.m. in Room 101 for all interested students. Applications will be available at the meeting with the deadline for submitting being noon Friday, April 14. The applications can be submitted to Todd Hall at CCHS or to the Chamber of Commerce. Interviews for all student applicants will be held between April 18 and April 19. Students will be notified by mail of acceptance into the program by May 1.

Adults who are interested in participating in Leadership Colquitt County can pick up an application at the Chamber of Commerce.

Sessions will begin in August 2017 with at least one meeting per month through program end in April 2018.

“This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of the various businesses and agencies of our area and to help develop the future leaders of our community,” the chamber said.

If you would like to more information on the 2017-2018 Leadership Class, please contact the chamber at 985-2131.