Hancock Youth Leadership Application

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Deadline Information

The application deadline for the Hancock Youth Leadership (HYL) class of 2026 is February 27, 2026.

Eligibility Information

To be eligible for the program you must:

Be a current high school sophomore.
Be a resident of Hancock County or attend a high school/homeschool in Hancock County.
Demonstrate dedication in the classroom and be academically sound.
Be approved by your principal, guidance counselor, or homeschooling instructor.
Demonstrate potential for leadership in school and/or community activities.
Have an interest in learning the issues affecting your community.
Demonstrate a positive attitude and responsible behavior within the program and at school.

Expectations of selected HYL applicant:

Applicants must commit to full participation and attendance in the program.
Absences from the retreat/program activities may result in removal from the program.
This program requires students to be in attendance for each monthly session (there are a total of 9). Session days are held during school days and occasionally when school is not in session.

Application Instructions

Responses must be submitted online. Make an arrangement with your guidance counselor or homeschool instructor to access a computer to complete the form if necessary.
It is recommended that essay questions are completed in a separate document first, then pasted into this online form. Essay content and grammar mechanics are evaluated. Please double check your responses for any spelling mistakes.
All information provided is subject to verification. False, inaccurate, incomplete, or reformatted applications will be disqualified.
Share this link when requesting a recommendation. Each applicant may submit one recommendation from a teacher, counselor, mentor, or another adult to help the HYL selection committee better understand the student’s character, curiosity, and interest in learning, engaging, and growing through this experience.

Hancock Youth Leadership Class of 2027 Application

Student Information

Applicant’s personal information will remain anonymous to the Selection Committee

Name

First

Last

Please enter your legal name. If you prefer a nickname, please indicate that in the Nickname field.

Nickname

School

Current GPA

Student Email

Please submit a non-school email address (if possible) that is checked consistently throughout the year.

Student Phone

Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Shirt Size

Parent/Guardian Name

First

Last

Parent/Guardian Phone

Parent/Guardian Email

SECTION 1: Student Commitment & Activities

Remember: Attention to detail matters. Essay content and grammar mechanics are evaluated. Please double check your responses for any spelling mistakes.

How do you plan to contribute to the HYL Program and your peers? Provide examples of how you have contributed to other groups or organizations in the past.

List your top four (4) activities you are involved with. How did you demonstrate leadership in those activities OR work to become a future leader within the group or organization?

SECTION 2: ESSAYS

Remember: Attention to detail matters. Essay content and grammar mechanics are evaluated. Please double check your responses for any spelling mistakes.

What is a recent question or problem you encountered that sparked your curiosity? How did you go about finding the answer or solution?

Reflect on a recent failure or setback you experienced. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience?

If you could change anything in your school or community, what would it be and how would you do it?

the If a

In your judgement, what do you consider as a pressing challenge that needs to be addressed by the people of Hancock County? Explain why, and identify your recommendations for approaching and resolving this issue.

HYL Agreement & Cost Information

The cost of the program is $275, payable after selection.
Scholarships are available. Please do not let the cost of the program keep you from applying.
This fee covers costs associated with the program including the opening retreat, speakers, T-shirts, food and transportation.

I would be interested in scholarship assistance.

2026-2027 Tentative Session Dates

August 5, 2026
September 22, 2026
October 27, 2026
November 18, 2026
December 15, 2026
January 18, 2027
February 16, 2027
March 16, 2027
April 20, 2027

HYL Agreement

I agree to the HYL expectations and certify that all information in this application is true and factual.

We (the applicant, parents(s)/guardian(s) and school official) certify that all information contained in this application is true and factual. We also agree that if applicant is selected, Hancock Youth Leadership may use applicant’s name and likeness and any other information or materials provided by applicant to this program for purposes of news, publicity and advertising in all media. The application may be released to applicant’s school office. We understand: If accepted into this program, there is a commitment to full participation and attendance. Absences from the retreat/program activities may result in removal from the program.