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.

How It Works:

For the first year, 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. During the second year, as juniors, 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.

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.

More about the program:

Youth Leadership will incorporate prominent community leaders who will host an interactive lesson on various topics including leadership, well-being and community awareness. Sophomores and juniors will have opportunities to participate in this part of the session together.

Students will emerge from this dynamic program more confident and well-rounded with 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.

Schedule Info:

Youth Leadership sessions are generally held Tuesday evenings once per month from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Dutchess Community College, with the program running September through May. Students will be provided a full schedule prior to the first class.

Who Is Eligible?

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, and home school students, from Dutchess County.

Scholarship:

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.

Questions?

For more information or questions about being a part of the program, contact foundation@chamberfdn.org at 845-454-1700 ext. 1000.

TESTIMONIALS

"I would like to express my gratitude to The Chamber Foundation for providing me with the opportunity and experiences to become a leader. Participating in the Youth Leadership Program has equipped me with the skills and tools to step out of my shell. When I started the Youth Leadership Program two years ago, I was shy and hesitant to speak up and assert myself. Now, I feel more confident and capable, thanks to the training I have received. I am proud to have completed the program and will encourage more students from Oakwood Friends School to participate."

 - Joseph

"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