Program Information
First Year Class:
Click here for a brochure.
Experience: The Central Wisconsin Area High School Leadership Program is meant to help students:
- Develop leadership skills, confidence, and character in area high school students through project based learning and interactive activities.
- Build a culture and capacity for civic engagement by connecting area high school students with community leaders.
- Partner with area businesses to help area high schools students realize that they can achieve their career and leadership goals right here in Central Wisconsin.
Application Process: Students are selected for the leadership program because they have leadership potential and would benefit from being a part of this program. Students will learn and practice their leadership skills, build a leadership network, and must be prepared to expand their school and/or civic leadership roles.
Commitment: It is a seven month commitment beginning in the fall. To graduate from the Central Wisconsin High School Leadership program, a participant is expected to attend the opening three day retreat at Camp Manito-wish, participate in the full day workshops, attend the closing graduation ceremony, and complete a class project.
*Participating school districts have indicated release time will be given if needed.
Sponsors: The Wisconsin Institute of Public Policy and Service (WIPPS), area businesses, foundations, and the local school districts sponsor this program so teens have a chance to learn about and practice their leadership skills. The program is modeled after Leadership Wausau/Marathon County.
Tentative 2026-27 Central Wisconsin High School Leadership Workshop Dates
September 29, 2026
Class Orientation – North Central Technical College Wausau, WI – 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Purpose: Introduce and review the expectations of the program to the students and their parents.
October 11-12, 2026
Opening Retreat – Trust and team building-Camp Manito-wish. Bus leaves at 8:15 a.m. on Sunday and returns around 4:30 p.m. on Monday. The pickup and drop off site will be at the old UW Stevens Point Wausau Campus. Please park in Lot G.
Purpose: Experience the low and high ropes course as well as participate in team building activities. These activities will demonstrate different leadership techniques, provide problem solving situations, and build self-confidence.
November 6, 2026
Understanding Ourselves and Others – Northcentral Technical College, 8:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m.
Purpose: Students will take a self-survey, learn about emotional intelligence, and project management. Students will also learn how their strengths can be matched to various careers and occupations.
November 30, 2026
Understanding Our Community & the Public Sector – Community Partners Campus and Marathon County Courthouse, 8:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. Please park or be dropped off at the Community Partners Campus, 360 Grand Avenue, Suite 100.
Purpose: Students will learn about community resources, meet county government leaders, and identify a community project that will be conducted during the school year.
January 8, 2027
Defining Your Leadership Style in the Private Sector – Dudley Building, 8:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m.
Purpose: Students will meet with area business leaders, identify leadership characteristics, learn about local leadership opportunities, and practice running an effective meeting.
February 12, 2027
Developing Your Leadership Style as a Board Member – Wausau City Hall, 407 Grant Street, 8:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m.
Purpose: Students will participate in a mock city council meeting, learn about community foundations, and practice facilitation techniques.
March 8, 2027
Application of Skills and Closure – Northcentral Technical College, 8:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m.
Purpose: Students will reflect on their leadership experience and participate proper etiquette at lunch.
April 8, 2027
Graduation – Location to be determined.
Purpose: This is a celebration of the accomplishments of the students. The students will present their community projects to their parents, community members, and school district staff.
STUDENT COMMITMENT: To graduate from the Wausau Area High School Leadership program, a participant is expected to attend all the sessions including the opening retreat, the full-day sessions and the closing graduation ceremony as well as complete a class project. Participating school districts have indicated release time will be given if needed.
Central Wisconsin Leadership Contacts:
If you have any questions regarding the high school leadership program, please click on the button below and feel free to contact the Wisconsin Institute of Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) at https://wipps.com/programs/cwhsl/contact-us/ or