Program Information

First Year Class:

Click here for a brochure.

Who: 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.

Second Year Class:

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Who: The Central Wisconsin Second Year High School Leadership Program is for high school students who have completed the first year leadership program and would like to take their leadership skills to the next level.

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.

Experience: The second year high school leadership program will provide opportunities for the second year students to:

• Participate in interactive activities focused on communication, team work, conflict resolution, facilitation methods, etiquette, and presentation styles.
• Demonstrate their leadership skills.
• Meet and discuss leadership techniques with community members.
• Assess his/her own leadership skills through various assessment tools.

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.

Application Process: Second year leadership students will be required to complete an application and explain how they would benefit from a second year experience. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee and selected students will be notified by the end of August.

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.

Commitment: It is a seven month commitment beginning in the fall. 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 apply their leadership skills in various activities.

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.

Sponsors: The Wisconsin Institute for 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.

October 19, 2023

Class Orientation – UW Stevens Point Wausau Campus, Veninga Theater, Center for Civic Engagement, 6:30 till 8:00 p.m.

PURPOSE: Introduce and review the expectations of the program to the students and their parents.

October 20, 2023

Understanding Ourselves – Northcentral Technical College, Room H102, 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.

October 26-28, 2023

Opening Retreat – Trust and team building-Camp Manito-wish.

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.

Bus leaves at 1 p.m. on Thursday and returns between 2:30 and 3 p.m. on Saturday. The pickup and drop off will be in Lot G of the Center for Civic Engagement parking lot.

November 20, 2023

Leadership Development, Civil Dialogue, & Project Design – Incredible Bank, 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 29, 2024

Defining Your Leadership Style in the Private Sector – Greenheck Innovation Center, 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.

February 16, 2024

Leadership Style in Public Service, Application of Skills, and Closure – Marathon County Courthouse, 8:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m.

PURPOSE: Students with have an opportunity to develop their facilitation skills, practice their leadership style by participating in hands on activities that include problem solving, goal setting, and collaboration.

March 8, 2024

Conducting a Meeting and Defining Your Leadership Style in the Public Sector – Wausau City Hall, 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.

April 23, 2024

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.