Chattooga 4-H is celebrating the remarkable achievement of one of its own, Grace Winder, a student at Trion High School, who has been selected to join the 2025 class of Youth LEAD Georgia. This esteemed statewide leadership program, facilitated by the University of Georgia (UGA), aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders across the state. Grace is among 30 exceptional 10th- and 11th-grade students chosen from a competitive pool of over 340 nominations received by UGA, representing 29 different counties.
An external committee conducted the selection process, ensuring a diverse and talented group of youth to participate in the program. Youth LEAD Georgia, a collaboration between UGA’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, Chick-fil-A, Inc., and The Same House organization, launched its inaugural class in 2024. The program is designed to equip young participants with essential leadership skills and knowledge, preparing them to become influential leaders in their communities and beyond. “Building on last year’s inaugural class, we saw an even greater level of interest for the 2025 program,” stated Lauren Healey, senior public service faculty member at the UGA Fanning Institute. “That interest created a very competitive selection process through which we aim to reflect our state. We are excited to welcome these young people to Youth LEAD Georgia.”
The initiative has received significant financial backing, including a generous $1.5 million pledge from Chick-fil-A, which supports both Youth LEAD Georgia and an annual youth leadership summit. Thanks to this funding, the program is offered at no cost to participants, removing financial barriers and allowing a diverse group of youth to engage in leadership development. Starting in January, the 2025 class will embark on an enriching journey that includes four weekend retreats held in various communities across the state, culminating in a four-day summer bus tour of South Georgia. This hands-on experience promises to be transformative, providing Grace and her peers with valuable insights and networking opportunities.
As Grace Winder prepares to take this exciting step in her leadership journey, the Chattooga 4-H community stands behind her, eager to see the positive impact she will undoubtedly make in the future.
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