Application Process


Youth Leadership Knoxville is a 10 month program for high school juniors in Knox County. YLK  gives area high school students a chance to enhance their knowledge of Knoxville, develop leadership skills, create new friendships and better understanding of self, interact with various community leaders, visit businesses and experience community while learning the pillars of servant leadership. Tuition for the program is $150.

All participants must enroll in HUM 2100: Leadership Development at Pellissippi State Community College. The course will allow for a more formal exploration of leadership and the opportunity to earn college credit. There is no additional cost associated with the course.

Selection Process

The YLK Selection Committee selects approximately 50 students representing all Knox County High Schools including public, private and homeschool students. In order to be selected the following documentation must be completed and submitted by the deadline.

  1. Student Application submitted online by the student.
  2. Parental/Guardian Permission Form submitted online by Parent/Guardian.
  3. Community Reference submitted online by personal reference.
  4. Principal Permission Form submitted online by principal.

Class of 2023-2024 Program Schedule

Monday, May 22, 2023 Orientation (with Parents) 6–8:00
M-F, July 10-14 Summer Camp Sessions 9 a.m. -1 p.m.
Saturday, August 5 Community Service Project 7 a.m. -1 p.m.
Monday, August 21 Class Session 5:00 – 8:00
Monday, September 25 Class Session 5:00 – 8:00
Monday, October 23 Class Session 5:00 –8:00
Monday, November 13 Class Session 5:00– 8:00
Monday, December 4 Class Session 5:00– 8:00
Monday, January 22, 2024 Class Session 5:00 – 8:00
Monday, February 26 Class Session 5:00-8:00
Monday, March 25 Class Session 5:00 – 8:00
Sunday, April 21 Closing Celebration/Graduation 2:00–4:30 p.m.

Session dates and times are subject to change. Attendance at Summer Camp on Monday, July 10 is mandatory, and students must attend 4 of the 5 summer sessions. Students must be present for 7 of the 9 non-summer camp sessions in order to graduate. If the student is unavailable to attend the Orientation, a parent/guardian or adult family representative must attend.

Applications for the YLK 2023-2024 Class are now closed.