Perry Chamber will kick off its 25th Perry Youth Leadership class in 2021. On August 20, 1997, the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce decided to “build on experience” and create a Youth Leadership program modeled after their adult leadership class. The theme was

“Developing Houston County’s Leaders Today”. The goal was to expose high school students to career opportunities in Houston County so that when they completed their choice of post-secondary education, they will return or remain in Houston County. Today, goal remains the same. Nearly 500 students have been a part of the Perry Youth Leadership program since its inception.

Twenty-eight Juniors from three schools, Perry High School, The Westfield School, and Veterans 

High School will be a part of this historic 25th class. They will learn about various aspects of

leadership from community leaders while visiting economically significant sites around Houston County. The students will discover that there is much more to running the local government as they tour places like the wastewater treatment plant or conduct a mock City Council meeting. They will observe business culture and traditions that will help them succeed in future endeavors.

Some students have acquired internships from businesses because of being a part of the Perry Youth Leadership Program. Noah W. said this about his experience…

“PYL offers a really good opportunity to explore places that you didn’t even know existed. If 

I would have said at the end of PYL that I would have a paid internship by the end of this 

program, I would be shocked and probably worried…I’m still working at my paid 

internship!” Noah received his internship as a rising high school senior at an engineering research

and development firm that works with Robins AFB. He now attends college locally to complete his core classes and to continue his internship 3 years later.

If you were involved with the Perry Youth Leadership in the past as a student, counselor, principal, leader, or community supporter, we want to hear from you! Please contact us at the Perry Chamber of Commerce to tell us how PYL impacted you, where you are now, and send us any photos of then and now!