Local and Regional Leadership Programs
American Legion Buckeye Boys State
For students who have completed the 11th grade
An eight-day hands-on experience in the operation of the democratic form of government, the organization of political parties, and the relationship of one to the other in shaping Ohio government. Founded in 1936, Buckeye Boys State is the largest Boys State program in the nation with an attendance of over 1,200 young men annually, representing nearly 600 Ohio High Schools, several on-line High Schools, and the Home Schooled Community. At Boys State, young men learn about city, county, and state government through a non-partisan objective education approach. The young men also form friendships which will last a lifetime!
Buckeye Girls State Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary
For students who have completed the 11th grade
Buckeye Girls State is the name given to Ohio's Girls State program, which was designed to educate Ohio's young women in the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of good citizenship. By getting involved in the process, Delegates can learn more about City, County, and State Government. Moreover, through hands-on experience young women have the opportunity to not only learn the mechanics of local and state government; but also learn citizenship and patriotism; gain self-confidence, poise, and character. Attendance also makes participants eligible to apply or be selected for awards, honors, and scholarships.
HOBY Leadership Seminars
For students who are in the 10th grade
HOBY’s flagship program, the State Leadership Seminar, empowers high school sophomores to develop their leadership talents to become the leaders of their community. The seminar curriculum is based on the Social Change Model of Leadership and develops leadership from three perspectives: Personal Leadership, Group Leadership, and Leadership for Society. The 3-4 day seminar weekend is filled with interactive activities and workshops that allow students to discover their personal leadership strengths. After understanding leadership from three different perspectives, students then learn to cultivate their skills to lead others and make a positive impact in their community.
Leadership Lake County Junior Leadership Program
For students who are in the 10th or 11th grade
The Junior Leadership Program is designed as a nine-month program for high school sophomores and juniors to acquire leadership skills and increase civic engagement. The program focuses on 21st Century skill development including collaboration, critical thinking, communication, creativity, life and career skills, and information technology skills. Monthly program days provide students with a behind-the-scenes look at Lake County through on-site visits, guest speakers, and experiential learning activities. Students are introduced to various sectors of the county including government, health and human services, business, and recreation. A class project fosters the development of leadership skills and service learning through a community project requiring research, action, and reflection.
Magnified Giving Youth Advisory Council
For students who are in the 12th grade and taking Perry Service Learning (PSL)
Magnified Giving is a non-profit that seeks to educate youth about the art of philanthropy. The Magnified Giving Youth Advisory Council (MGSAC) is composed of Magnified Giving students representing several schools, who aim to provide communication and recommendation between MG students and the Board of Directors in regards to the Student Philanthropy Program. Youth Advisory Council members represent the student body of Magnified Giving, work as a voice to strengthen the youth philanthropy culture for students in our community, identify community needs, and take leadership roles within the organization to maintain positive relationships with donors, participating schools, and non-profits.
National Honor Society, Perry High School Chapter
For students in the 11th and 12th grade
The National Honor Society chapter of Perry High School is a duly chartered and affiliated chapter of this prestigious national organization. Membership is open to those students who meet the required standards in four areas of evaluation: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. For the scholarship criterion, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale. Those students who meet this criterion are invited to complete a Student Information Form that provides the Faculty Council with information regarding the candidate's attendance, leadership, activities, service, and character. A history of leadership experiences, participation in school and community activities, and service projects is required. Students will record all elected or appointed leadership positions held in high school, community, or work activities. At least two are required. Students will list all school related co-curricular activities (at least two) and all community related activities (at least two). Students will list all service projects done individually or with a group either in or out of school (at least two). Students are selected to be members by a five-member Faculty Council, appointed by the principal, which bestows this honor upon qualified students on behalf of the faculty of our school each spring.
Perry Service Learning Summer Stretch Experience
For students who have completed the 10th grade
This Alternative Summer Break program affords participants the unique opportunity to live and serve at a homeless shelter for women and children who are escaping domestic violence. Through this immersion experience, students will learn about urban farming, food insecurity, hunger, and homelessness. Students will perform a variety of tasks such as preparing and serving meals, working in the shelter’s urban garden, landscaping, sorting donated clothes, distributing food at a neighborhood pantry, and providing care to children staying at the shelter. By the end of the four day experience, students will accumulate over 20 hours of service. Click here to inquire about more information and ask about sign-up procedures.
U.S. Senate Youth Program
The United States Senate Youth Program, established in 1962 by the U.S. resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. The annual Program will be held in Washington, D.C., each March. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. Student delegates hear major policy addresses by Senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as participate in a meeting with a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses are provided by The Hearst Foundations. in addition, each delegate is also awarded a $10,000 College Scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. In Ohio, the United States Senate Youth Program makes its student selections from among participants who attend Buckeye Boys, Buckeye Girls State or the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) program in Ohio. These programs occur in June before the students' junior and senior years. The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary will select nominees for the U.S. Senate Youth Program from those seniors-to-be attending Buckeye Boys and Girls State. HOBY will do the same from juniors-to-be at their summer programs held around the state. The nominated students will compete further in the fall to be one of the two students awarded to participate in the program.
Youth United Way of Lake County
For students who are in the 11th or 12th grade
Youth United Way of Lake County is a youth directed initiative to help local students mobilize resources and make a positive impact on our community through the spirit of service. Juniors and seniors from local school districts seeking to make a difference in their community evaluate local programs and allocate funding to those they identify as making the most impact. This program keeps our youth connected to the community and teaches leadership skills and the importance of giving back.