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Union Community Development Director Joseph Graves said next year's program, offered to UHS and homeschool students, will follow a similar plan.
"It's modeled after the Leadership Union program last year with adults," he said. "This year past graduates of Leadership Union are planning the sessions which include touring manufacturing facilities in Union, traveling to Jefferson City and possibly meeting with state officials."
Last year there were four half-day sessions about every two weeks in which participants learned about the community's social services, education, industry, local and state government and health services.
"One of our long-term economic development goals is for these kids to go to college and get that degree, then return to Union, start businesses, work in Union and play a part in making Union a better place to live, work and play," said Graves.
The youth program is expanded to include eight sessions plus an orientation meeting and team building session at Camp Mo-Val, Union. It will begin in August with an orientation.
"They will be going on a Camp Mo-Val retreat for a trust course and high rope course," Graves noted. "It will be a fun-filled Saturday getting to know each other and trust each other to work toward common goal."
That goal, Graves added, is for students to become aware of opportunities in Union and eventually return to the community to become a leader.
"This is an opportunity for students to become acquainted with the movers and shakers of Union and Franklin County," he remarked. "That always helps when applying for jobs and college scholarships - it is always good to have those contacts."
Following are other goals of Leadership Youth Union:
* To provide an increasing source of potential leaders for Union;
* To educate students through communications with civic, business, social and education leaders;
* To assist potential leaders to develop and accurately match their skills and interests with the needs of Union; and
* Cultivate a leadership base with a diverse perspective that is prepared to more effectively guide Union into the future.
The cost of the program is $60 per student which will cover all class materials, a T-shirt, the Mo-Val course, lunches and all other items.
"We are try to keep the fee as low as possible," said Graves. "There also are a few scholarships available to help pay for the class."
Applications are due May 14. Information is available at the UHS office or by contacting the city economic development department at 636-583-3600, or by e-mail at leadership@unionmissouri.org.
Local businesses can sponsor the program through a donation. Sponsors will have the name of their businesses on T-shirts and fliers. Those who donate $100 or more will be given 15 minutes before a session to speak to participants.
Last Year's Session
The first session of the Leadership class explored education in Union, including the R-XI school district, East Central College and Immaculate Conception Grade School.
The second session focused on health care and social services in Union. The class toured the Franklin County Health Department, Union ambulance, fire and police stations, and the County Seat Senior Center.
The third session included tours of a local industry. The group toured the Children's Factory, Transactions Technologies, Pharma Tech and Rexam PLC.
There also was a presentation on the Union Development Corporation.
The fourth session looked into the city's infrastructure needs and how the city is financing them, including wastewater treatment upgrades and the Highway 50 widening project. The group toured the city treatment plant and waterworks, and attended a board of aldermen meeting.
