Youth Leadership Academy for Lee County High School Students

Opelika, Alabama – December 12, 2025 – The Greater Peace Community Development Corporation (GPCDC) proudly announces the continued success of its Youth Leadership Academy (YLA), an innovative program designed to equip high school students across Lee County, Alabama, with essential leadership and soft skills.

Purpose and Vision

The Youth Leadership Academy is an eight-week program that meets on Monday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Local leaders volunteer their time to provide engaging lessons on topics specifically designed to help students develop into strong, confident leaders. With two sessions offered each year—one in the spring and one in the fall—the program ensures consistent opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, and personally.

Celebrating Student Success

Upon completion of the course, students are honored at a graduation banquet where they receive certificates and small tokens of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Thanks to the generosity of program sponsors, students enjoy free meals and door prizes each week. The most recent graduating class celebrated 30 students representing all area high schools, a testament to the program’s reach and impact.

Expanding Opportunities: Legacy Leaders Ambassador Program

Looking ahead, GPCDC is excited to announce the launch of the Legacy Leaders Ambassador (LLA) Program in 2026. This initiative will allow YLA graduates to:

• Participate in voluntary civic projects that strengthen the community.
• Take meaningful field trips to institutions of higher learning, cultural centers, and other experiences that inspire future goals and aspirations.
• Apply for the Greater Peace Community Development College Scholarship, available to high school seniors who complete both YLA sessions and plan to attend a two- or four-year college.

Dedicated Leadership and Support

The Youth Leadership Academy thrives thanks to the dedication of sponsors Sherry Cook, Stephanie Evans, and Tonya Williams, who work diligently to ensure the program remains informative, fun, and engaging. Their commitment, along with the support of community leaders, continues to make YLA a cornerstone of youth development in Lee County.

About Greater Peace Community Development Corporation

The Greater Peace Community Development Corporation is committed to fostering educational, economic, and social opportunities for underserved populations in Lee County and beyond. Through programs such as the Youth Leadership Academy and the Legacy Leaders Ambassador Program, GPCDC empowers young people to become leaders who will positively impact their communities for generations to come.

Visit their website at www.greaterpeacecdc.org to learn about other programs offered through the GPCDC.