Spark Youth Leaders 2027 Application

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

This digital application collects information for students interested in participating in Spark Youth Leaders, an LHC Leadership Program. Final selection is made in partnership with your high school’s administration. Completing this form does not guarantee placement in the program your school must also confirm your selection. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure their school’s administration submits their name to LHC as one of this year’s selected participants.

Mission Statement

The mission of Youth Leadership Hendricks County is to develop and connect youth leaders to better serve our community.

Purpose

The primary purpose of Youth Leadership Hendricks County is to develop leadership potential, foster civic awareness, and promote responsible volunteerism among county youth.

Goals

Specific goals of Youth Leadership Hendricks County are to:

Nurture students in identifying personal leadership strengths and increasing confidence in their leadership ability and potential.
Develop the leadership and community service potential through:

exposure to the Hendricks County community and its leaders
training in leadership, effective communication, and personal presentation skills
career awareness and investigation

Establish and promote the role of youth as valuable life-long community leaders.

Spark Youth Leaders 2027 Schedule

February 18 5:00 - 9:00 pm | Opening Day/Leadership Assessment
February 19 8:00 am - 4:00 pm | Leadership Class Day

February 20 8:00 am - 2:00 pm | Final Class Day / Closing Ceremony

For more information, please visit our website: www.LeadershipHendricksCounty.org or contact admin@leadershphendrickscounty.org or Rachel Barnhart at 317-517-0236.
Important Dates:

Applications must be submitted by: November 13, 2026

Notifications to accepted applicants will be sent by LHC by: December 4, 2026

Accepted applicants must confirm by: January 8, 2027

Payment must be received by: January 22, 2027

Selection Criteria

Five sophomore students from each of the Hendricks County public high schools will be invited to participate in this educational experience. Up to five combined home educated and private school students are also eligible. Students will be selected by their school from applications received. Approval for participation will be determined by the high school. Interested applicants should:

Demonstrate their leadership potential in their school or community.
Have full parental/guardian support.
Exhibit an interest in community service.
Maintain satisfactory academic, attendance, and citizenship records.
Commit to FULL PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE in the entire three-day program (inability to participate fully in all three days may cause your spot to be given to another student).

Participant Fee:

The participation fee is $150. Students pay $100, and the public high school pays $50. Home educated and private school students pay the full $150. Tuition is not refundable. Scholarships are available.

Attendance:

Due to the limited number of positions in the class, a commitment to the program and full attendance at each activity is expected. If you cannot make a full commitment to the program, please do not apply.

General Information

First Name

Last Name

Personal Pronouns

Preferred name (for nametag)

High School Attending 2026-2027

Birth Date

Race/Ethnicity

Home Address

City

State

Zip Code

Cell Phone

Preferred Email

School Email

Personal Email

T Shirt Size (Adult Unisex)

Food Allergies:

Special Dietary Needs:

Parent or Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian 1

Parent/Guardian 1 Cell Phone

Parent/Guardian 1 Address

City

State

Zip Code

Parent/Guardian 1 Email

Parent/Guardian 2

Parent/Guardian 2 Cell Phone

Parent/Guardian 2 Address

City

State

Zip Code

Parent/Guardian 2 Email

Alternate emergency name & Phone Number

Employment

Present Employer

Position/Title

Will your employer make reasonable accommodations for you to participate in this program? If no, please explain:

Activity Data

Please list any school, volunteer, religious, social, athletic, other leadership development, or other activities in which you have participated.

Current Activities/ Organizations

Applicant Statement (max 200 words for each question)

Describe three qualities which best illustrate your leadership potential.

What two leadership traits do you hope to improve most through Youth Leadership Hendricks County?

What is the biggest issue high school students are confronted with today?

Give one example of how youth have been effective leaders in your school, community, or daily life.

If you could improve one thing in your community, what would it be and why?

Personal bio

Please give us a 200-word maximum biography. Talk about yourself as you might see it in a news article and include things like where you came from, your family, hobbies, school interests, etc. Upon your acceptance, we will use this in our class as well as an insert into our newsletters to introduce you to our network of leaders.

AGREEMENT

My behavior and participation will always reflect positively on Youth Leadership Hendricks County.
Spark Youth Leaders is a drug- and alcohol-free program, and I will abide by those standards during all program events.
I realize that I am a representative of all youth, and I will at all times represent them honorably.
I authorize LHC to take appropriate measures if I cannot fulfill this agreement.
My submission indicates that I am willing to make a commitment with my time and effort to the goals and activities of the Spark Youth Leaders program. I commit to attending the FULL program.
I agree to hold harmless Leadership Hendricks County, Inc., its employees, Board Members, volunteers, and sponsors for any injuries or illness received during my participation.
I give my permission for photographs and videos taken of me during Spark Youth Leaders activities, as well as any quotations I give, to be used for public relations and marketing efforts on behalf of LHC.
I agree to pay indicated tuition on or before January 22nd 2027.

I agree to the terms listed above

Questions? Visit www.leadershiphendrickscounty.org, call 317-517-0236or email admin@leadershiphendrickscounty.org.

Contact Information