Application for Regional Youth Leadership 2026-2027

Application for Regional Youth Leadership 2026-2027

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on February 1st.
Welcome to the Regional Youth Leadership (RYL) Student Application! Be sure to review the RYL Student Website for additional program information.

We’re thrilled that you’re interested in RYL, a program of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. RYL brings together high school students from Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, including those in public, private, and home schools, to develop leadership skills, explore the region, and build connections with other students.

Eligibility & Participation Timeline
Applications are open to current high school sophomores. Students who are selected will participate in the RYL program during their junior year, from September through March. This timing allows you to plan ahead and fully engage in a year of leadership experiences, sessions, and events.

About the Application
This is your chance to tell us about yourself, your experiences, and why you would like to participate in RYL. Selected students will commit to attending monthly program sessions during the school day at various locations. Students are responsible for their own transportation, though limited assistance may be available for those who qualify.

Program Fee & Financial Assistance
A program fee of $275 will only be due if you are accepted in May 2026. Please do not send payment with your application. Financial assistance is available — RYL does not want the fee to prevent anyone from participating.

How Applications Are Reviewed
Your application will be reviewed anonymously by the RYL Steering Committee. They will look for responses that are thoughtful, complete, and unique, and that align with RYL’s mission and goals. Your personal information will not be shared with the selection committee.

Time Commitment & Tips for Applying
We recommend spending 60–90 minutes completing this application. You may find it helpful to prepare your responses in a Word document first, so you have a record of your answers, and remember to save your work periodically as you progress through the form.

Selection
The committee strives to select a diverse and well-rounded group of students from across the community. At least one student from each school that applies will be selected. Your application helps the committee create a balanced, dynamic class.

What's next?
Once you submit your application, you’ll receive a copy by email (check your junk or spam folder if it doesn’t appear). Your parent/guardian and school contact will also receive emails requesting their approval and support. Approvals can be submitted at any time, and we will follow up if anything is missing. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance on or before May 1st via email. The final class list will also be posted on the RYL student website.

Questions?
If you have any questions, contact Jenna Davis, jdavis@nkychamber.com or Ann Marie Whelan, amwhelan@nkychamber.com.
Applicant Information

The following information is confidential and will not shared with the selection committee.
School Name*
Name of Applicant*

First NameLast Name
Primary Address of Applicant*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
County of Residence
Student Mobile Phone*
Student Home Phone
Optional
Student E-mail*
Personal email is preferred. School emails may encounter firewall issues.
Secondary Student E-Mail:
Optional secondary email. Some Gmail users are not receiving confirmations.
Scholarship Request
The tuition for RYL is $275, even though the program costs over $800 per student. This fee is non-refundable and is due after acceptance in May. Tuition covers all retreat expenses, program materials, and refreshments for class sessions.

Financial assistance is available for anyone who cannot participate because of the $275 fee. Please indicate the amount of support you need. Requesting a scholarship will not affect your acceptance. We want everyone to have the opportunity to join, regardless of financial situation.
If you need a scholarship to participate in RYL, how much funding are you requesting?
Max scholarship is $275
Is your acceptance contingent on receipt of scholarship funding?
If yes or maybe, provide a short description on why we should consider you for the scholarship. Without sharing too much personal information, are you on a scholarship at your school or do you use the free/reduced lunch program?

0/150
School Contact Information
Your school representative must approve and support your RYL application. By approving, they confirm that you meet the program’s GPA requirements and are eligible to attend RYL sessions. Most school contacts are guidance counselors, and a current list of RYL contacts is provided for reference.

Applications are open to any current high school sophomore in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, even if your school isn’t listed. When you submit your application, your school contact will receive an automatic email from Jotform with a link to approve your application. This email may go to junk or spam folders, so please let them know to watch for it.

Approvals do not need to be submitted by February 1. Schools can approve applications at any time, and we will follow up on missing approvals.
School Contact Name*

First NameLast Name
School Contact Email
example@example.com
Parent/Guardian Contact Information

A parent/guardian must provide their support and approval for your application. When you submit this form, the email address you list will receive an automatic email with a link to the Parent/Guardian Approval Form. If you are accepted into RYL, you will have the opportunity to provide contact information for another parent/guardian. Email may be diverted to junk or spam mailboxes so please check these mailboxes when looking to submit approval.
Parent/Guardian Name*

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Email*
This person will receive an email approval form.
Parent/Guardian Mobile Phone Number*
Selection Committee Review

Information from this point forward will be shared with the selection committee.
Optional Information

Regional Youth Leadership does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, physical capabilities, national and ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity in the administration of its educational or admissions policies.
Race/Ethnicity:

Asian or Asian AmericanBlack or African AmericanHispanic or LatinoMultiracialNative American or Alaska NativeNative Hawaiian or Pacific IslanderWhitePrefer not to discloseOther
I identify as...

MaleFemaleNon-BinaryPrefer not to discloseOther
Student Background Information

Max 175 Words
In a few bullet points, share where you invest your energy outside of school (through a job, team, volunteer role, hobby, personal project, etc.). In one additional sentence, tell us what you have learned from these experiences. *

0/175
Where do you see your strengths taking you after high school and beyond?*

0/175
Writing Prompts

Maximum 125 words per question. Consider preparing your response in MS Word and then pasting it into the boxes below. Additional advice is provided on the FAQ page of the RYL website. Applicants are encouraged to consider this application as their way of introducing themselves to the selection committee. This is not a school assignment and there is no perfect way to respond. We want to know about you!
1. After reviewing the RYL website (www.regionalyouthleadership.weebly.com), why do you want to participate in Regional Youth Leadership and what do you hope to gain from the experience? What from the website appealed to you the most?*

0/125
2. Describe a quality you admire in other leaders and how you're working to build that quality in yourself.*

0/125
3. Think of a person very different from you who taught you something meaningful. What did that moment show you about understanding or relating to others?*

0/125
Simply Stated & Fun

Be creative! Your responses here count just as much as the others. Have fun—this isn’t a school assignment.
1. In 75 words or less, share something unique, unusual, or funny about yourself.*

0/75
2. Sum up your high school journey in one quote — funny, clever, or totally you.*
3. Tell us 2 truths and 1 lie about yourself. Be sure to follow the prompts in the spaces below.*
4. Give us your best 'Top Ten' list under a unique theme of your choosing. Be sure to include a title and a BRIEF statement as to why you picked the theme. Number each item, but do not include extra details or descriptions. *
Application Fee

Contact Jenna Davis, jdavis@nkychamber.com, or Ann Marie Whelan, amwhelan@nkychamber.com.

RYL Application Fee*

2027 Application Fee

$10 Quantity

Enter coupon

Total

$0.00

Applications Terms

All applicants, regardless of decision, will be notified by May 1, 2026.
By entering my name below, I commit to fully adhering to the policies and expectations of Regional Youth Leadership (RYL). I confirm that I have reviewed the RYL website and understand it is my responsibility to stay informed about all program regulations and procedures. No regulation or requirement will be waived due to claims of ignorance or lack of information.

I have considered my other commitments, including college courses, work responsibilities, and extracurricular activities, and understand that full attendance and participation are essential for a successful RYL experience. I accept the program’s attendance requirements, acknowledge that the opening retreat on Sunday, September 13, 2026, is mandatory, and recognize that two or more unexcused absences will result in removal from the program.

I assert that I am invested in this program and welcome the opportunity to participate. I am not being forced or coerced into submitting an application by a parent, guardian, or other individual.

I agree to complete session evaluations and submit one written essay on a session topic, which will be determined at a later date. I understand that my application will not be considered complete until my parent/guardian and school representative submit the required approval forms, which will be sent electronically to the email addresses I provided.

I acknowledge that acceptance notifications will be mailed via US Postal Service around May 1, 2026.
Read the statement above and enter your name here to accept the application terms. *
Applicants will receive an automatic confirmation email upon successful submission of this form. Be sure to check your email!
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Application for Regional Youth Leadership 2026-2027

Applicant Information

Scholarship Request

School Contact Information

Parent/Guardian Contact Information

Selection Committee Review

Optional Information

Student Background Information

Writing Prompts

Simply Stated & Fun

Application Fee

Applications Terms