Twenty-eight high school students from 28 counties across Georgia graduated from the second cohort of Youth LEAD Georgia™, a transformative leadership program housed in and facilitated by the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development in partnership with Chick-fil-A, with one of those 28 being Yasmin Rios from Swainsboro.
The graduation ceremony, held on November 10 at Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, marked the culmination of a yearlong journey in leadership development, civic engagement, and experiential learning.
Throughout the year, students traveled across the state, participating in leadership sessions, engaging with local business and community leaders within Georgia. The cohort met five times, including four regional sessions, a weeklong bus tour, and a summer summit that brought together over 150 youth from across the state.
Thanks to a $1.5 million pledge from Chick-fil-A, Youth LEAD Georgia is offered at no cost to participants, ensuring accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.
We celebrate the achievements of these young leaders and the communities that supported them throughout this journey. Their dedication, curiosity, and commitment to service reflect the bright future of Georgia.
