Leadership Greater McHenry County (LGMC) youth community leadership program offers area high school students an opportunity to enhance community awareness and knowledge, and to develop leadership skills. This is intended to empower and motivate them to become involved and committed to our community.
Class of 2027 Calendar
Orientation | Monday, July 27, 2026 - 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Opening Retreat | Thursday, July 30, 2026, and Friday, July 31, 2026
Leadership Day | Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Leadership Skills Development Day | Saturday, October 3, 2026
Law and Government Day | Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Leadership Skills Development Day | Saturday, December 5, 2026
Healthcare Day | Wednesday, January 13, 2027
People in Need Forum | Saturday, January 30, 2027
Closing Retreat | Saturday, February 20, 2027
Graduation | Wednesday, March 3, 2027
Students also meet with their teams and visit three nonprofits in McHenry County during the Program. Full attendance is expected to meet graduation requirements.
Criteria to Apply
In order to apply for this program, you must:
- Attend a high school within McHenry County.
- Be a sophomore or junior entering school year 2026 - 2027.
- Have a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher.
- Is or has been involved in an extra-curricular activity or community service.
- Commit to an evening orientation session, a two-day retreat, three school days, (these are excused absences), two Saturday Leadership Development Days and a final Saturday retreat. (Dates included above)
- Commit to visiting three McHenry County Nonprofits
- Be willing to meet and report to a business or person sponsoring you for the program.
Introduction and Selection Process
Only 16 students, one from each high school in the county, will be selected for this year’s class through an interview process conducted by a member of the LGMC Youth Committee. All candidates will be scheduled for a 30-minute interview beginning in February. Participants will be selected based on their commitment to school, community, and personal leadership aspirations. The LGMC selection committee will carefully consider diversity to ensure the program and community are fairly represented. Applicants will be notified of acceptance in early April.
For more information contact
Toni Seagren
815-337-8750, tseagren@leadershipgmc.org
Youth Application Form
Next Steps
As part of the application process submit the following documents:
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- Recommendation Letter 1
Educator/Business Reference must be completed by somebody who has taught you or served as your employer/manager. - Recommendation Letter 2
Community Reference must be completed by an adult (Not a parent or relative) with whom you interact. It could be a co-worker, community service coordinator, or a person who works with you on any sport or activity.
Click on each form below to download a copy and complete - 2027 Parent-Guardian-Agreement
- 2027 Principal-Agreement
- Recommendation Letter 1
Application Fee
There is a non-refundable application fee of $25. Your school may cover this fee. Please talk with your principal to determine who will be responsible for this payment.
It is payable to LGMC and must be included with your letters of recommendation.
Submit all documents and application fee to LGMC Youth Program by February 13, 2026.
101 N. Johnson St. #1E
Woodstock, IL 60098
Attention: Toni Seagren