THE FRANKLIN County Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for this year’s annual junior leadership program. The adult program is in its 26th year, and the youth program is in its 21st year. The program expanded from what was once an adult program into a program where adult business professionals are assigned a youth program member to mentor.
Kayla Doney, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce executive director and Leadership Franklin County program administrator, reported that the Franklin County Junior Leadership Program recruits and prepares existing and emerging leaders for responsible public decision-making and volunteer service. It motivates and directs them toward achieving their desired community goals.
Through this program, the youth within the Franklin County community are exposed to different parts of the county that they may only see if they were somehow involved in county leadership.
Doney said the program accepts rising high school juniors. Students who want to participate in the program must pick up an application from the chamber office or their school, fill it out, and turn it in by August 11. The program’s leadership team will select students based on their applications.

Doney said she is optimistic that students are learning and enjoying their experiences during the program and are learning tangible skills that will help them in the future.
“We hope the students are inspired by all that Franklin County offers from education, agriculture, history, economic development, and health care. We want the students to be inspired to stay local and continue living, working, and playing in Franklin County.”
During the program, the youth experience five months of hands-on discovery, exploration, and experience.
From September until February, they learn everything from county history to leadership skills, education, healthcare, agriculture, county government, and much more. They take trips to hospitals, farms, utility facilities, courthouses, and the state capitol.
The Franklin County Junior Leadership Program challenges the students and helps them explore their untapped potential through creative and hands-on activities.
Doney said, “We strive to teach them leadership traits and skills and how to make smart decisions and to always have integrity and a strong work ethic.”
Program leaders can watch the teens blossom in to firm and confident leaders.

Doney explained that many students use what they’ve learned during their time with the program to transform into leaders that positively impact their generation through well-informed decisions.
She said, “We can tell a big difference in their confidence and how they kind of step out of their box. By the end of the program, they’re ready to speak up and ask questions. And they’re more knowledgeable about how the county operates.”
Doney also said it’s common for the youth to return and participate in the adult program 6-8 years after graduation. The program isn’t just for enrichment but a place where camaraderie is present.
“A lot of the students we do keep in contact with send us graduation invitations the next year when they’re seniors in high school. And we also give them reference letters to enter college and gain scholarships.”
The Franklin County Junior Leadership Program is currently accepting applications for rising high school juniors and adult business professionals. Applications are due by August 11, 2023, and the program proceeds in September. GN