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 2025-26 Central Wisconsin High School Leadership Workshop Dates
October 10, 2025
Class Orientation – UW Stevens Point Wausau Campus, Veninga Theater, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
PURPOSE: Introduce and review the expectations of the program to the students and their parents.
October 24-25, 2025
Opening Retreat – Trust and team building-Camp Manito-wish. Bus leaves at 8 a.m. on Thursday and returns between 4 and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The pickup and drop off site will be at 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 1, 2025
Understanding Ourselves – 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 25, 2025
Understanding Ourselves & Project Design – Location-TBD, 8:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m.
PURPOSE:Students will learn to identify the strengths and weaknesses of themselves and others. Students will learn about community resources and identify a community project that will be conducted during the school year.
January 27, 2026
Defining Your Leadership Style in the Public Sector – Location -TBD, 8:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m.
PURPOSE: Students with have an opportunity to meet with area business leaders, identify leadership characteristics, and learn about local leadership opportunities.
February 14, 2026
Defining Your Leadership Style in the Private Sector – Location-TBD, 8:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m.
PURPOSE: Students will participate in diversity, equity, and inclusion training as well as a mock city council meeting. In addition, students will learn how to run an effective meeting.
March 8, 2026
Application of Skills and Closure – Location-TBD, 8:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m.
Purpose: Students will meet with County Department Head Leaders to learn about public service as well as have some time to reflect on their leadership experience.
April 23, 2026
Graduation – UW Stevens Point-Wausau Campus, Veninga Theater, 6:30 p.m.
PURPOSE: Celebrate the accomplishments of the students. The students will also present their 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 Sharon.hunter@wisconsin.edu