Youth Leadership Experience

Sumter EMC’s Youth Leadership Experience offers high school students a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, explore careers in energy, and engage with state and national leaders. This life-changing program empowers future leaders through hands-on learning, civic engagement, and personal growth.

Youth Leadership Experience Applications Are Open!!!

Please have all items turned in by End of Day on

May 1st, 2026

How to Apply

First, fill out an application at the link below.

2026-27 YLE Application

Next, get Two Counselors and/or Teachers to fill out the Teacher Recommendation Form below.

Teacher/Counselor Recommendation Form

Last, please have your Parent/Guardian fill out the Consent Form below.

Parent/Guardian Consent Form

Once all of these items have been completed, we will reach out through email with updates on the process.

Thank you to all of our applicants and Good Luck!

At Sumter EMC, we believe in nurturing the potential of our youth and empowering them to become the leaders of tomorrow. Our commitment to community development goes beyond providing reliable electricity; it extends to fostering the growth and leadership skills of the next generation. That's why we're thrilled to spotlight our Youth Leadership Experience.

Designed to inspire and educate young minds, the Sumter EMC Youth Leadership Experience is a transformative journey for high school students within our service area. Through this initiative, we aim to instill essential leadership qualities, cultivate teamwork, and ignite a passion for community service.

What Does the Program Offer?

The Youth Leadership Experience is a comprehensive and enriching opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and develop vital life skills. Here's what participants can expect:

Leadership Workshops: Our program offers interactive workshops facilitated by seasoned leaders from various fields. From communication skills to problem-solving techniques, these sessions equip students with practical tools to excel in leadership roles.
Personal Development: Self-discovery is an integral part of leadership. Our program encourages students to explore their strengths, passions, and values, helping them build confidence and resilience.
Field Trips and Experiential Learning: Learning extends beyond the classroom. Students embark on exciting field trips, visiting businesses, government institutions, and cultural landmarks, gaining real-world insights into various industries and sectors.

Why Join the Youth Leadership Experience Program?

Participating in Sumter EMC's Youth Leadership Experience offers a multitude of benefits:

Leadership Skills: Develop crucial leadership qualities that will serve you well in any endeavor.
Networking: Connect with mentors, professionals, and like-minded peers who can support your personal and professional growth.
Personal Growth: Discover your strengths, passions, and potential while gaining valuable life experiences.

How to Get Involved

Are you a high school Junior or Senior eager to unlock your leadership potential? Join us on this incredible journey! The Youth Leadership Experience is open to students within Sumter EMC's service area. Look for announcements and application details on our website and social media channels.

At Sumter EMC, we're committed to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. Join us in empowering youth, shaping communities, and building a brighter future together.

For more information, contact:

Jacob Peed at jacob.peed@sumteremc.com

or

Tonya Jones at tonya.jones@sumteremc.com

Do you want to know more about what we do in the Youth Leadership Experience?

Click on each session below to see how You will grow as a leader.

Let's begin this experience with a time of fellowship and just getting to know each other! We will share our ideas of what this leadership experience means to you now and what you would like to take away from our time together. We will discuss your involvement in your school, church, and community and finalize the dates and times of the monthly sessions. Prepare to share your school and athletic schedules that you currently have for the school year (if you have not done so). Please come with an open mind and be willing to step out of the comfort zone. Our hopes are that you will grow as a leader, becoming more confident in your every day life. A good leader is typically looking for people, ideas, and actions that align with shared goals and help move their team forward. We are proud to have YOU join the Sumter EMC family!

Sumter EMC holds its Annual Meeting on the Second Saturday of every August. Registration will begin at 8 AM and will close at 10:30 AM when the Annual Meeting of Business begins. Your role will be to welcome our members and assist co-op employees. During the meeting, you will be recognized as our newest cohort of the Sumter EMC Youth Leadership Experience. Designated seating will be available for each of you at the front of the gymnasium.

It only takes 177 questions to uncover the one true you. But it takes commitment to become the best you. We will use the CliftonStrengths Assessment to discover and develop your greatest talents. You will complete the CliftonStrengths assessment to unlock the personalized reports and resources you need to maximize your potential.

Little White House

Now a National Historic Landmark, Franklin Delano Roosevelt built the Little White House in 1932 while governor of New York, prior to being inaugurated as president in 1933. He first came to Warm Springs in 1924 hoping to find a cure for the infantile paralysis (polio) that had struck him in 1921. Swimming in the 88-degree, buoyant spring waters brought him no miracle cure, but it did bring improvement. During FDR’s presidency and the Great Depression, he developed many New Deal Programs (such as the Rural Electrification Administration) based upon his experiences in this small town.

Leadership

As leaders, it is important to learn more about the community in which you live and what it has to offer. This day will be about the importance of leadership in your community and how you can may a difference. Leadership training is used within companies to increase productivity and create a cohesive workplace with the employees. Chipper Jones and Sylandi Brown will be leading this session. They each have years of experience leading fun, interactive games and exercises designed to motivate groups to work together, to develop the group's strengths, and to address any weaknesses. These exercises will grow you as a leader.

The Sumter EMC Christmas Party will be held this December at the Griffin Bell Golf and Conference Center. You will enjoy a time of fellowship with our employees and their families celebrating the Christmas season. Santa will need our help, and we will entertain the children during the employee program.

Session Eight will focus on Social Intelligence and Etiquette. Participants will explore the importance of professional behavior, learn how strong manners support effective communication, and develop the skills needed to build confident, respectful interactions. From everyday courtesies to business‑appropriate conduct, this session will help students understand what to do—and what to expect from others—in professional settings.

Session Nine will take participants to the Georgia State Capitol for Legislative Day. Attendees will spend the day in Atlanta learning how Georgia EMC’s Government Relations team represents EMC interests before lawmakers and regulatory agencies. The session will include opportunities to meet with legislators, hear about upcoming legislation that may impact EMCs, and experience how advocacy efforts will help protect reliable and affordable electricity for millions of Georgians.

Session Ten will celebrate the completion of the YLE journey with a special graduation event. Participants and their families will enjoy a dinner together as Sumter EMC leaders recognize students for their hard work and growth throughout the program. Certificates of Completion will be presented, and each graduate will have the opportunity to share highlights from their Youth Leadership Experience. A keynote address from Andy Paul, Public Relations Representative with Georgia EMC, will help cap off an evening of reflection, pride, and celebration.