What It is All About
Youth Leadership Eau Claire (YLEC) is a program that gives area high school students a chance to enhance their knowledge and develop leadership skills that will empower and motivate them to become involved and committed to their community.
Students from Altoona, Augusta, Fall Creek, Eau Claire Memorial, Eau Claire North, Eau Claire Virtual School, Regis, or Wildlands Charter School are eligible to apply.
This program is in partnership with the Eau Claire Area School District.
Currently accepting applications for the YLEC Class of 2027!
How the Program Works
Participants attend a two-day opening retreat and eight one-day sessions over a nine-month period.
In addition to an opening retreat in the summer, YLEC hosts eight one-day sessions once a month on Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. No session is held in January. Each session offers a hands-on experience and a unique opportunity to interact with different industries & community leaders. The class will participate in an activity and discussion focusing on a variety of leadership principles. In addition, students will be exposed to different career opportunities. Participants are required to provide their own transportation to the Chamber office or other designated meeting places.YLEC Class of 2027 Program Days take place on the following dates:
- Opening Retreat: July 22 – 23, 2026
- Agriculture & Environment Day: September 2, 2026
- Arts & Tourism Day: October 7, 2026
- Volunteerism & Human Services Day: November 4, 2026
- Government & Law Day: December 2, 2026
- Business & Industry Day: February 3, 2027
- Health & Quality of Life Day: March 3, 2027
- Media & Tech Day: April 7, 2027
- Graduation Day: May 5, 2027
Applications are accepted in the spring of each year. Applications open the first week of March and are due by the second week in May.
Students who are accepted into the program will officially be notified by the first week in June.
* The "Class of 2027" refers to the year the student will graduate from our YLEC Program. Students eligible to apply are current sophomores who will be going into the 11th grade for the 2026-2027 school year*
We are currently accepting applications for the Youth Leadership Eau Claire Class of 2027!
For high school juniors ready to grow as leaders, explore careers, and make an impact in their community.
For more information on Youth Leadership Eau Claire, please contact Valerie Yang at yang@eauclairechamber.org.