BYL has given me an amazing opportunity to experience things that are often unavailable to home schoolers, like meeting and talking with important leaders in my community, developing friendships with and working alongside students my age who attend public school.One of my favorite sessions was on public speaking; it helped me tremendously with being more confident when speaking to an audience and interviewing one-on-one. I learned something new, interesting and fun at every session.

Rachel (BYL Class 2008)

Click here to download BYL application

BRISTOL YOUTH LEADERSHIP

BYL is a non-profit program of the Bristol TN/VA Chamber of Commerce that offers students the opportunity to participate in a seven-month leadership training program. Applications are accepted from high school sophomores or juniors from the following: John Battle High School, Sullivan East High School, Sullivan Central High School, Tennessee High School & Virginia High School.

Mission: Develop future community leaders.

Vision:   Bristol Youth Leadership believes that youth are gifted and are capable of making a positive difference in their communities. Through this program we hope to empower selected youth as leaders and trustees of our community. Leadership involves serving the common good and promoting the welfare of our local, national, and world communities and empowering others to also make a life-long commitment to this vital cause.

Goals:
1.   Visioning
2.   Empowerment
3.   Responsibility
4.   Community Awareness
5.   Reflection

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?

• To learn leadership skills
• To learn about the community and  how to better serve it
• To develop awareness of self
• To learn and practice teamwork skills
• To interact with other high school students
• To discover what it means to be a servant leader
• To contribute to Bristol through a community service projects