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Youth (2025-2026) Application

Applicant Instructions
We believe in diversity and equity. When applying for and/or participating in our programs, if you have a disability or health condition that requires modified accommodations to participate, please notify us of your accommodation request and we will make every reasonable effort to meet that request. Please contact us at 402.441.4661 or info@leadershiplincoln.org.

You must complete this application in one visit to this page. As such, it might be helpful to type your answers in a separate word processing document and then revisit this page and copy/paste your answers into the application.

Informational Session
Applicants and their guardians are invited (but not required) to attend an Informational Session before applying. Leadership Lincoln staff will discuss the program, review the application process, and answer questions. There are two opportunities to attend:

  • Recruitment Open House
    • Tuesday, April 29, 2025 from 6:00-7:30pm at Turbine Flats (2124 Y St, Lincoln, NE 68503, Resonator Gallery) 

Application Deadline

Applicants are responsible for making sure ALL application materials are returned to the Leadership Lincoln office by:  May 18, 2025

  • Forms that are mailed must be post-marked by the deadline:  2124 Y St, Suite 107, Lincoln, NE 68503.
  • Forms that are emailed must be received by 11:59pm on the deadline:  info@leadershiplincoln.org.
  • Forms that are hand-delivered should be received in the office by 5:00pm on the deadline:  2124 Y St, Suite 107, Lincoln, NE 68503

Program Calendar and Commitment

  • Orientation
    • Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 6:00-8:00pm
  • Opening Retreat
    • Sunday, August 17, 2025 and Monday, August 18, 2025
    • Attendance is required at the Opening Retreat. Applicants who are unable to attend the entire retreat, are not eligible for the program. Leadership Lincoln understands that this may mean that some youth have to forego a school activity or a sporting event. We are sorry for the inconvenience but know that the opening retreat defines the year for the participants.
  • State of the City Address
    • Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 7:30-9:00am
    • This event will gather all the participants in 2024-2025 Leadership Lincoln programs to kick-off the year of community leadership development. Date is subject to change.
  • Seminars
    • Thursday, September 25, 2025, 8:00am-3:00pm
    • Thursday, October 30, 2025, 8:00am-3:00pm
    • Thursday, November 20, 2025, 8:00am-3:00pm
    • Various Weekends in December 2025 (You will sign up for one half day)
    • Thursday, January 29, 2026, 8:00am-3:00pm
    • Thursday, February 26, 2026, 8:00am-3:00pm
    • Thursday, March 26, 2026, 8:00am-3:00pm
    • Thursday, April 23, 2026, 10:00am-7:00pm
    • Attendance is required at 80% (equivalent to eight seminars) of the programming hours.
  • Unpacking
    • Monday, August 25, 2025, 7:00-8:30pm
    • Monday, October 13, 2025, 7:00-8:30pm
    • Monday, January 12, 2026, 7:00-8:30pm
    • Monday, February 9, 2026, 7:00-8:30pm
    • Monday, April 6, 2026, 7:00-8:30pm
    • Attendance is required at a minimum of two Unpacking meetings. These meetings offer class participants opportunities to connect outside of seminars to continue discussions or pursue further learning opportunities.
APPLICATION FORM
APPLICANT PERSONAL INFORMATION
Prefix
First Name *
Middle
Last Name *
APPLICANT PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION
Country
Address Line 1 *
City *
State/Province *
Postal Code *
DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Leadership Lincoln hopes to represent a cross-section of citizens from a variety of backgrounds. Leadership Lincoln graduates bring divergent perspectives to address Lincoln’s needs. The following optional information helps us identify applicants from a cross-section of the city. 

Race or Ethnic Background
Will you be in 10th grade in 2025-2026?
How did you hear about Youth Leadership Lincoln
TUITION & SCHOLARSHIPS

Applying to Leadership Lincoln is free and open to all Lancaster County students who will be in tenth grade during the 2025-2026 school year. 

Leadership Lincoln charges a tuition fee of $350.00 to all individuals selected to participate in the program. This fee covers expenses such as meals and supplies used during seminars.

Tuition assistance is available through a scholarship program. If an applicant is interested in scholarship support, that request must be made when their application is submitted. Scholarships will be offered to applicants at the discretion of the Selection Committee.

Yes, I would like scholarship assistance in the amount of:
Reason for request (please use 2-3 sentences to explain your financial need, e.g. does your family qualify for free or reduced school lunch)?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
List any school club, sport, organization or activity that you’ve participated in within the past two years.
List any non-school or non-employment sports/clubs/organizations/activities/employment experiences that you have participated in within the past two years.
3. If you have not had the opportunity to participate in a school or non-school activity, why not?
4. Leadership Lincoln seeks youth who represent each of these categories. Which are you?
ESSAY QUESTIONS

This year we are offering two different options for applicants to answer the essay questions! Feel free to pick between providing a 3-5 minute video or a 300-500 word essay! PICK ONLY ONE

 

ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS:

  1.  What are your top 3 strengths, and how do they help you become a leader?
  2. Why you would benefit from participating in Youth Leadership Lincoln?
  3. What is the most challenging issue high school students face?
  4. What is one thing you want to change about your community?
  5. Anything else you would like us to know?
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APPROVAL & PERMISSION FORMS

Youth Leadership Lincoln applicants must include two Approval and Permission Forms in their application. Applicants can upload the forms as a part of this application. Or the forms may be submitted directly to Leadership Lincoln (info@leadershiplincoln.org). Applicants will not be considered unless ALL application materials are received by the deadline.

  1. School/Principal Approval Form
  2.  Parent/Legal Guardian Permission Form
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