Youth Leadership is an innovative leadership development program designed to develop the academic, social, and life skills of area youth. Students will have opportunities for substantive interaction with their peers, community-based service organizations, institutions of higher education, and professionals from local industries.
About the Program
The Youth Leadership program is offered by The Chamber Foundation, Inc., and been running for over 25 years. This high-impact after-school program focuses on leadership development and career preparation for teens entering 10th or 11th grade (12th graders also welcome). These students live or attend school in Dutchess County.
The program includes two tracks; Track 1 focuses on a student-based company and Track 2 focuses on career and continuing education readiness. Students will emerge from this dynamic program more confident and well-rounded. They will have improved leadership skills and a better understanding of themselves and their community. By the end of the program, participants will achieve more self-confidence and develop skills and attitudes needed for success in college and life. The program also encourages the development of organizational and problem-solving skills.
First Year or Track 1
Sophomores will build their personal “leadership toolkit” by taking a look within and discovering their strengths and identifying areas for improvement. Students will graduate this track more confident with a clearer understanding of themselves and their abilities.
Students will create a for-profit company from the ground up and invent an original brand by working with returning Youth Leadership Alumni and volunteer mentors. Participants will create the company, elect officers, develop departments, sell stocks, create, and produce a product to sell, and organize a Day of Service where they volunteer with a local nonprofit. Throughout this project, students cultivate skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, emotional intelligence, networking, community engagement, and the practical and hands-on aspects of starting a company or nonprofit. An additional objective is to teach students about philanthropy and the importance of giving back to the community. The skills students learn in Track 1 set students up for success in a variety of career fields.
Session Topics & Objectives:
- Volunteer For A Nonprofit
- Donate To A Nonprofit
- Mentorship
- Project-Based Learning (PBL)
- Creation of a Student Based For-Profit Company
- Elect Officers And Create Departments – Finance, Communications, Operations, Etc.
- Develop A Budget
- Sell Stock – Attend Supervised Chamber Networking Events And Community Venues
- Design A Product
- Make A Product– Using Laser Engraving/Direct To Garment Technology In The Chamber Foundation’s “Maker Space”
- Develop A Marketing Strategy
- Sell A Product – Attend Supervised Chamber Networking Events And Community Venues
Second Year or Track 2
As juniors or seniors, students will participate in college/real world preparation sessions about résumé writing, interview skills, college applications, paying for college, and finance education. The goal of this track is to prepare students for life beyond high school with a clearer understanding of their education and career plans.
Students undergo career exploration assessments to pinpoint their desired career fields and goals. Students learn the hard skills of crafting professional resumes and cover letters, preparing for and performing in interviews, and learning about their college and career options. A variety of career and college pathways are introduced to the students, including a panel that features representatives from local colleges and trade schools. Students apply the skills learned by completing a 20-hour practicum at a local company that aligns with their career goals.
Session Topics & Objectives
- Career Assessment
- Practicum
- Career Fair
- Mentorship
- Team Building Workshop
- Professional Attire Workshop
- Job Application Workshop
- Interviewing With Professionals
- Resume and Cover Letter Building Preparation
- College Application And Scholarship
- Professional In-Person and Online Etiquette Workshop
Track 1 students (sophomores) will participate in 5 hours of community service as a group in the spring. Track 2 students (juniors) will have the ability to complete a 20-hour internship.
*Online sessions will be alternatively available if in-person meetings are not permitted.
Youth Leadership is a collaborative effort with area school districts and includes the local community, business leaders and Foundation staff. The program is open to incoming high school sophomore and junior students (seniors are also welcome), and home school students, from Dutchess County.
There is a nominal tuition fee of $350* to participate. For families who need financial assistance, the Charles S. North Scholarship is available. This limited scholarship fund offers support on a sliding scale based on income, ranging from partial to full scholarships.
Tuesday, September 9
KICKOFF & Parent Orientation – DCC
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Saturday, September 27
Teambuilding Session –
Location TBA
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tuesday, October 7
Track Session – DCC
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Tuesday, November 4
Track Session – DCC
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Tuesday, December 2
Track Session – DCC
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Tuesday, January 6
Track Session – DCC
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Tuesday, February 3
Track Session – DCC
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Tuesday, March 3
Track Session – DCC
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Tuesday, April 7
Track Session – DCC
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Tuesday, May 5
Track Session – DCC
6:00 – 8:30 pm
June 2026 – Date TBA
Recognition Ceremony - Location
TBA
4:00 pm
A limited number of scholarships for Youth Leadership candidates are available through the Charles S. North Leadership Advancement Scholarship. Please read the guidelines below for more information. Please email completed essays to foundation@chamberfdn.org.
*The submission deadline is 8/1/2025.
Charles S. North Leadership Advancement Scholarship
In recognition of the outstanding leadership of Dutchess County Regional Chamber Commerce Past President and CEO Charles S. North, a scholarship was established in 2014 upon his retirement.
Awarded to any individual living or working in Dutchess County, the Charles S. North Leadership Advancement Scholarship signifies Mr. North’s commitment to inspiring and mentoring leaders across the region.
To apply, fill out the Youth Leadership Application and check the box for “Charles S. North Leadership Advancement Scholarship”. To qualify you must meet the following criteria:
- Live or work in Dutchess County or for a member of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
- Attach a 500 word essay expressing how the program will help you advance your professional career. Incorporate your sentiments on what defines a great leader. In your essay, articulate in 100 additional words the financial need for the scholarship.
- Applicant's employer must be a member of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
- You must establish a financial need and desire to participate in the program.
*Full and/or partial scholarships will be awarded.
Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
Testimonials
"This past year’s program has been both incredibly enjoyable and insightful. As a participant in Track One, I had the opportunity to further develop and apply the leadership skills I had already gained, but in a new context that emphasized both nature and society. Track One also gave me valuable exposure to the realities of the business world—what it takes to start and run a successful business, and how to thrive in one. One of the highlights for me was attending the Chamber’s monthly Business After Hours networking events. It was exciting to meet and connect with professionals from the local business community, many of whom I wouldn’t have expected to live in or be connected to Poughkeepsie. What makes this program, especially Track One, so beneficial is that it goes beyond just teaching leadership and business. It genuinely helps sophomores and juniors—many of whom are still figuring out their post-high school plans—by offering insight into the real world and preparing them for what comes next."
-Adel Rogers
Looking back now as a recent college graduate, I can honestly say that joining the Youth Leadership Program through the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce was one of the most valuable experiences of my early education. I participated during my sophomore and junior years of high school (2020–2021), and the lessons I learned still resonate with me today.
The program introduced me to students from across Dutchess County, many of whom I’ve remained connected with over the years. One of the most memorable parts was launching a student-run business called YES (Young Entrepreneur Socks). We developed a real product, marketed and sold it in our community, competed with another team, and donated the proceeds to help clean up a local park. It was hands-on, challenging, and incredibly rewarding, it felt like we were truly contributing to our community, not just completing a school project.
What’s stayed with me the most is how much the program prepared me for the professional world. Through workshops, mentorship, and guest speakers, we learned practical skills like networking, public speaking, and pitching ideas, skills I continued to use throughout college and am now applying as I begin my career. It also opened my eyes to the incredible opportunities that exist right here in Dutchess County!
To any high school student in the Poughkeepsie area considering the Youth Leadership Program: do it. It’s an inspiring, energizing experience that will challenge you, connect you, and prepare you in ways you might not expect. I’m so thankful I was part of it!
-Makaila Barnett
Youth Leadership Sponsors
Questions?
Send us an email or give us a call at
(845) 454-1700 ext. 1000