My first year as the director of youth programs at Leadership Howard County has been exciting and fulfilling. With our largest recruitment pool ever, our Class of 2016 was an incredible group of 50 young leaders who truly wanted to make an impact on our Howard County community. Their teamwork, dedication and self-discovery of their strengths and unique contributions were put to great use on their seven community service projects.

Leadership U offers a rare opportunity for students to own every step of the project and feel the true meaning of challenge and success. Every decision they make and action they take is on their own merit, and the final product shows students that they are responsible for their accomplishments. The experiences and skills they develop lay the foundation for success in college and beyond.