Midland County Youth Leadership - Northwood University

2027 Youth Leadership Program

The application for the 2027 MCYL program is open October 1^stthrough November 16^th, 2026!

Don’t Forget to Apply!

The 2027 MCYL program will take place on Friday, February 19^th & Saturday, February 20^th

Please email with any questions.

Mission

Midland County Youth Leadership strives to engage high school youth across Midland County in leadership, team building, and community awareness to promote their personal development and encourage meaningful contributions to their community.

We offer a two-day leadership program where students will participate in a range of activities across Midland County designed to offer an opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain real-world speaking expertise, and explore their community. This program is offered to selected applicants free of charge; however, you can make an optional $25 donation that helps us plan and execute a successful program. Applicants will select to opt-in or opt-out of making this donation when they apply, and only students who opt-in AND are accepted into the program will be contacted for payment.

Four people stand close together smiling at the camera indoors, with one person in a black zip-up and the others in matching event t-shirts. A microphone is visible in the foreground.

What Will You Gain?

Through MCYL’s two-day program, participants will gain:

Insight into the minds and decisions of leaders from across the community
Understanding of their own unique leadership style
Access to a network of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving Michigan
Expertise in speaking and presenting in a professional context

A group of teenagers wearing matching purple shirts sit around a table, talking and laughing during an indoor Learning About Business (LAB) event.

Eligibility

A select group of qualified high school freshmen are chosen to participate in the Midland County Youth Leadership Program. Students are eligible to apply if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

Attend a Midland City school (e.g. Dow High, Midland High)
Attend a Midland County school (e.g. Bullock Creek, Coleman, Meridian)
Are a resident of Midland County (includes home-schooled and virtual students, students that attend private schools, and students that live in Midland County but go to school outside of Midland County)

A diverse group of participants will be selected based on their application, letter of recommendation and a brief interview.

Current freshmen will only have one opportunity to apply to MCYL, so we encourage all eligible to apply for this exclusive program.

A group of people in black shirts and colorful accessories pose together indoors during the Learning About Business (LAB) event; a person in a panda costume stands in the background.

Application Process

To apply for the Midland County Youth Leadership Program, please complete the online application form.

Application window is now open October 1^stthrough November 16^th, 2026.
All applicants will be required to complete a 10-minute interview. Interviews will be scheduled on Tuesday, December 8^th and Wednesday, December 9^th between 6-9 p.m.
The program will be on February 19^th and 20^th, 2027, and takes place in venues across Midland County.
Transportation between venues will be provided

apply today

Three people hold hands while one person passes a colorful hula hoop over their head, with a blurred American flag background—a playful moment that captures the collaborative spirit of Learning About Business (LAB) initiatives.

Additional Details

If you have questions, please email .

The program is funded in part by the Leadership Midland Alumni Association, as well as area service clubs and community organizations. Area businesses are also sponsoring students’ participation in this year’s program, and in-kind contributions of time, supplies and facilities help keep the program affordable for youth. Speakers and presenters all donate their time and talent.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Midland County Youth Leadership does not discriminate based on a person’s national origin, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic situation, and/or familial status. We believe that the acceptance of all individuals, no matter background or circumstance, is critical to good leadership. As such, Midland County Youth Leadership fully commits to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Midland area and the world at large.

Space is Limited, Apply Now!

Apply TODAY