Students enrolled in Plano Youth Leadership learn about various aspects of the local community, from city planning to health care. Students enrolled in Plano Youth Leadership learn about various aspects of the local community, from city planning to health care.[/caption]

Plano Youth Leadership is accepting applications for its 2016-17 class. Students currently enrolled in the ninth grade and planning to enter the 10th grade during the 2016-17 school year are eligible to apply. Applicants must currently be attending a public or private school or be homeschooled within the city of Plano.

A nonprofit organization founded in 1995, PYL provides an opportunity for students to learn more about becoming an effective leader, working with different leadership styles and becoming more aware of their community to raise awareness and prepare them to make positive impacts on their community today and in the future.

Through a series of monthly class sessions running concurrently with the school year, students develop the confidence and knowledge they need to succeed in leadership positions while learning about leadership and service opportunities in the community, said Jeri Chambers, incoming PYL board president

"Plano Youth Leadership is designed for 10th grade students at a time in their personal growth when they are developing an interest and comprehension of the broader community in which they live,” she said. “PYL provides participants a unique opportunity to meet with and to learn from community leaders representing government, education, community service and business in an effort to maximize their individual leadership skills."

Tuition for the program is $175 per participant, and need based scholarships are available for qualified students. The PYL Selection Committee chooses participants representing a cross section of the community based on information provided in the written application. Completed application must be submitted by April 29. Applications are available at www.planoyouthleadership.org.