All current sophomores in Columbia are encouraged to apply for a position in Junior Leadership Columbia (JLC) for the 2017-2018 school year. JLC is an annual program of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce which falls under the Chamber’s strategic initiative to Advance Community Excellence through developing the next generation of community leaders. This nine-month program motivates students and develops their potential for community leadership by aquainting them with the opportunities, realities and challenges in Columbia.

To be considered for the program, students must return a completed application by March 24, 2017.  The only direct cost for a student to participate is the $25 non-refundable application fee.

The selection committee will be looking for students who have demonstrated leadership in the past or have a strong interest in leadership and who wish to hold leadership roles in their communities, schools and/or vocations. A select number of applications will be asked to participate in an interview with members of the selection committee. After being interviewed, the final 25 students will be invited to participate in the program.

Junior Leadership Columbia begins in late August 2017 and will consist of eight Monday evening sessions from 5 – 7:30pm, one Saturday service project, one full day field trip to the Capitol, and one morning at the March 2018 Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Membership Breakfast and Business Showcase. The program concludes with a graduation banquet in April 2018.

In Junior Leadership Columbia, students participate in training surrounding eight leadership characteristics, such as creativity, personal responsibility, integrity, advocacy, ambition, and more. They learn about the business community and are exposed to a number of sectors relative to the character trait topic such as media, state government, civil service, health, etc.  Sessions are organized by members of the community and experts from various organizations and institutions.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors MBS Textbook Exchange, Missouri Credit Union, Suzi Davis Travel, and the University of Missouri – Division of Operations; T-Shirt Sponsor Missouri Cotton Exchange; Water Sponsor Culligan Water Conditioning of Columbia; Graduation Location Sponsor First Baptist Church; Transportation Sponsor White Knight Limousine & Coach; Meal Sponsors Pancheros Mexican Grill, Chick-fil-A Stadium Boulevard, and Pickleman’s Gourmet Café; and Printing Sponsor Columbia College