The Christian Leadership Academy, a seven-month program, is designed to take 12 rising high school sophomores and juniors from Effingham County public and private schools and train them in the skills of leadership from a Christian perspective.

The purpose of the Christian Leadership Academy is to train today’s students to carry Christian leadership principles into the future world of family, education, church, government, and business. These select students will meet one evening a month, in various locations, to discuss topics such as: pursuing personal excellence, discovering your purpose in life, principles of Christian leadership in the home, being informed and involved in government leadership, impacting your community through the local church, personal financial responsibility and stewardship, and Christian professional ethics.

All participants will receive a free YMCA membership for one year (SeptemberAugust), special local media recognition, award of excellence upon completion of the program, valuable experience that can be added to their personal bio, and possible letters of recommendation used for college applications and/or job applications, priceless lessons from our present community leaders on what real success and Christian leadership look like, and a sense of purpose and direction for their future.

The group also travels to Atlanta every year to meet local legislators and get a first-hand experience on how our government works. Participants will be required to give 20 hours of volunteer service to the YMCA over the course of the seven month program.

Nominate students from your school or any youth programs you may work with outside of school.

For more information, visit www.ymcaofcoastalga.org/ymca/christian-leadership-academy-2013-14.