The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is preparing to launch the 2026-2027 Georgia FLEX program, giving local high school students an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills through hands-on experience and community involvement.

FLEX, which stands for Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurial Experience, is a statewide initiative designed to immerse students in real-world entrepreneurship while connecting them with mentors and local business leaders.

Chattooga Chamber Executive Director Cindy Rivers McGraw recently attended the 2026 FLEX Implementation Workshop, where participants received training, learned best practices from successful FLEX programs and developed plans for launching or expanding programs in their communities.

“FLEX doesn’t just prepare students for careers—it prepares them to lead,” Georgia FLEX Executive Director Melissa Dark said. “Communities that participate in FLEX invest in their future workforce and cultivate the kind of entrepreneurial thinking that drives local progress.”

Through the program, students learn how to identify problems, develop innovative solutions and pitch viable business ideas. Participants also build skills in confidence, communication and collaboration while gaining a better understanding of the local economy.

The program is also designed to strengthen connections between young people and the business community by providing mentorship opportunities with local business leaders.

The 2026-2027 Chattooga FLEX program officially kicks off this fall, and the Chamber says it is looking forward to seeing the creativity, leadership and drive local students bring to this year’s program.

Those interested in learning more about Georgia FLEX or supporting the local program can contact Cindy McGraw at the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce at 706-857-4033.