The Junior Leadership Pine Bluff Program

Nurturing future leaders

It is never too early to develop leadership skills. Based on that theory, the Chamber's Junior Leadership Pine Bluff is for local young people who aspire to make a difference in our community. It is an issues-oriented program that broadens participants’ perspectives, examines community issues, expands opportunities to develop friendships from area schools, strengthens leadership skills, and motivates the students to excel in their academic studies.

2011 Junior Leadership Pine Bluff Class

THE 2011 JUNIOR LEADERSHIP PINE BLUFF CLASS

Junior Leadership Pine Bluff goals

  • Identify and select highly motivated potential leaders each year to participate in the program.
  • To develop leadership potential in high school tenth grade students by promoting an atmosphere that will enrich students for leadership roles.
  • Stimulate within the participants an increased level of commitment and desire to become involved in the community.
  • Develop a sense of enthusiasm and can-do attitude toward the community.
  • Systematically educate and challenge the participants as to the needs and opportunities in the community.

 

The Program

The Junior Leadership Pine Bluff program focuses on key community issues and leadership skills. Five monthly two-hour sessions scheduled from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the third Thursday, January – May. These sessions offer solid, firsthand information and provide opportunities for dialogue about community issues including:

  • History of area leadership
  • Local government
  • Law enforcement
  • Economic development
  • Health and human services and education.

Leaders in these fields of endeavor conduct the sessions. Each session approaches the subject issues in a unique and exciting format.

The Participants

In December of each year, the Leadership Pine Bluff Alumni Association—working directly with our schools—selects a class of 25 sophomores representing the four public school districts and private schools in the Pine Bluff area. The procedure for selecting the class is identical to that used in selecting the adult Leadership Pine Bluff class.

Junior Leadership Pine Bluff students are selected on the basis of demonstrated leadership interest as well as evidence of community interest and commitment. Successful candidates will exhibit the following characteristics:

  • Enrolled in The Chamber’s Arkansas Scholars Program

  • Demonstrated leadership potential as well evidence of community interest

  • Potential for advancement to leadership roles in school and community

The Tuition

Tuition for the Junior Leadership Pine Bluff program is $50. Tuition is payable by the participant or a sponsoring organization prior to the January orientation. Tuition is applied to the cost of meals and program materials.

The Commitment

Participants in Junior Leadership Pine Bluff must make a commitment of time, energy, and money. Nominees must have full support and written approval of parents and schools they represent. Attendance at all sessions is required; students may miss no more than one session to graduate from the program. Professional conduct is expected of all Junior Leadership Pine Bluff participants during the training sessions.