Applications are now closed for the 2025-2026 program.

*Students, we are aware that some parents and school representatives did not receive email approvals. Over the next week, we will contact those with missing approvals. 

Welcome to the application information for Regional Youth Leadership. Current high school sophomores attending public, private, and home schools in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are invited to apply for our next class. Applications are reviewed by the RYL Steering Committee and 40-45 students will be selected to participate during their junior year. Please contact Ann Marie Whelan, [email protected], with any questions you may have. 

2025-2026 Application Timeline

Monday, December 2, 2024 - Applications open for current high school sophomores. 
Saturday, February 1, 2025 - Applications close at 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - Class Announcement on RYL Website & Notification via Email

Eligibility

Students that meet the following requirements are eligible to apply for Regional Youth Leadership. Students must:
  • be a current sophomore with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • demonstrate leadership potential in their school and/or community.
  • have an interest in furthering their knowledge about our region and community leadership.
  • receive approval by high school principal and/or guidance counselor.​
  • reside in Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky.
Applications are accepted from students attending private, public and home schools that meet the above criteria. Each school has its own selection process. Please speak with your guidance counselor to learn more about the process within your school. 

Student Commitments

  • Students are responsible for transportation to and from sessions.
  • Attend monthly sessions / September-March, 7:45 am - 3:00 pm / Monday-Friday; the day varies, one per month.
    • Exceptions:
      • ​Opening Retreat will be held the Sunday after Labor Day.
      • Graduation is normally held on a Sunday afternoon in March.
  • Attendance at all sessions is expected. Two or more unexcused absences will result in removal from the program. Being accepted for RYL is similar to signing a contract, both sides have obligations. You will agree to contribute your presence, ideas and energy, and we agree to challenge you and expose you to new ideas. Plus, you owe it to your school (who may be footing the bill) to get the most out of the experience as you can.
  • Please consider your commitments prior to submitting an application. College classes and other extra-curricular activities may impact your ability to attend RYL session.
  • Students selected to participate agree to submit one reflection essay throughout the duration of the program and complete session evaluations in a timely manner.
  • Students agree to attend the mandatory opening retreat on Sunday, September 7, 2025. 

Tuition & Scholarship Information

Tuition for RYL is $275 despite program costs of $800+ per student. Tuition is nonrefundable and is payable after acceptance notification in May. Tuition includes all expenses for the retreat, materials and refreshments for class sessions and graduation.
 
Scholarships are an important part of the RYL program. If the cost of tuition is a concern, please do not hesitate to ask for a scholarship. Students may request a full or partial scholarship on their application, or a parent may request a scholarship on behalf of their child. This is a confidential process. No one accepted into the program will be denied participation for financial reasons.

Thanks to our community partners: