Engaging and inspiring the leaders of today… and tomorrow
Since 2011, Leadership Perimeter’s Youth program has provided high school students with real-world experiences
that serve as a stepping stone for college, career, and their futures as engaged citizens.
“Leadership Perimeter's Youth Program offers a totally unique opportunity to a select few who want to join other motivated students in cultivating leadership skills, learning how their community works, and discovering pathways for civic engagement. In the seven-month program, our students explore Sandy Springs, learning first-hand how government, environmental groups, social service agencies, public safety, and businesses come together to shape our community. They gain immeasurable knowledge, build networks by making invaluable connections, and have lots of fun, one-of-a-kind experiences.”
Youth Program Pillars
Civic Engagement – We inspire students to develop an understanding of and sense of responsibility for their community and neighbors, priming them for community involvement now and in the future.
Leadership and Confidence – Through face-to-face interaction with community leaders and their peers, we equip students with skills for public speaking, teamwork, and decision-making.
Networking – We stress the power of connection, linking students with local businesses, government, environmental, public safety, and non-profit leaders, as well as with students from other schools.
Career and Future Preparation – We introduce students to career options, help hone their interview skills, strengthen their resumes, and workshop their personal strengths to prepare for the workforce -- and life.
Youth Program Highlights
- Program Duration: August 2026 - March 2027
- Nine unique program days including six during school hours and three on the weekend
- Must be able to miss school. All days are excused absences
- Open to Brookhaven, Dunwoody, and Sandy Springs public and private school students who will be sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Fall 2026
- Tuition Cost: $995 per student. A limited amount of need-based tuition assistance is available through our generous donors
- Program graduates receive custom honor cords
Program Days *subject to change
You Had Me at Hello: Opening Retreat
Get to Know Your City & Yourself: Scavenger Hunt & Strengths Workshop
Going Green: Sustainability Day
Lawmakers, Legislation, Logistics: Government Day
It Takes a Village: Human Services Day
You’re Hired: Career & Interview Day
People, Products & Profits: Business Day
In Pursuit of Justice: Public Safety Day
Manifesting Dreams and Building Networks: Closing Retreat & Celebration
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
All rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, public and private, who live in OR go to school in Brookhaven, Dunwoody, and Sandy Springs are encouraged to apply to Leadership Perimeter Youth.
What schools do students attend?
In recent years, our Youth Program has welcomed students from many schools in the metro area including Riverwood, North Springs, Chamblee, Holy Innocents, Pace Academy, Mount Vernon, Marist, Weber, Walker, Westminster, The Cottage School, The Howard School, Innovation Academy, Woodward and others.
How do I apply?
Click HERE to access our easy online application. Please note that you will need to submit a recommendation and a “Time and Commitment” form signed by your parent and your school principal.
How much time does this take and when do we meet?
The Youth Program class year consists of an evening kick-off event and nine program days: six during school hours and three on the weekend. As part of the application process, you will need to get permission from your school principal and parent to miss school. Program days are considered “excused absences”, but you will be responsible for making up missed assignments. To avoid students missing the same class each month, we attempt to vary the days of the week on which we meet. You will get a calendar of all meeting days and times at the kick-off. Program days generally follow the hours of school days and should allow you to be back for afterschool activities. Our Youth Program traditionally starts in late August and ends in late March.
Is there an attendance policy?
Our Youth Program is a very selective program; only 40 or so of the thousands of eligible Perimeter area students are selected each year. Successful completion of the program affords graduates the honor of including Leadership Perimeter Youth on their resumé, and of wearing a unique graduation cord at their Commencement ceremony. The time commitment to participate in our youth program is to be taken seriously and attendance at programs is mandatory. If you find it necessary to miss a program day, you will be expected to make it up, and make up opportunities will be provided. Participants who miss three or more program days without proof of make-up will not be considered graduates of Leadership Perimeter Youth.
Is there a dress code?
We’ll let you know ahead of time the attire for each program day. On days that we meet with business and civic leaders, you’ll be asked to dress business casual. We dress up for Interview Day, and jeans, shorts, and t-shirts are appropriate for some of the other days.
What is the cost to participate?
Leadership Perimeter Youth is a tuition-based program and costs $995 per student. Scholarships and tuition assistance, including payment plans, are available. Please don’t let cost be a deterrent. Please don’t let cost be a deterrent.
What’s the deal with transportation?
Most of our program days take place in and around the Sandy Springs area. Students must provide their own transportation to/from program days, but funds are available upon request for those who need assistance paying for rides. Carpooling is encouraged. If a program is not occurring in Sandy Springs or requires moving from one location to another, we will meet at a central location and take a chartered bus to the program.
Why should I apply?
Because it’s fun! And it’s a great program, proven over a dozen years to build connections, strengthen leadership skills, and give students an inside look at what makes their community tick.
