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We're Life-Changing

21st Century Leaders inspires students to lead by equipping them with leadership and life skills, career readiness, and the confidence to serve and lead wherever they go.

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Inspiring Youth to Lead, Today and Tomorrow

21st Century Leaders equips and empowers young talent to lead while fostering a culture of inclusion and service.

Need to Develop Leadership Skills

Every student has the potential to be an effective leader. Our programs bring diverse, like-minded students together to identify their leadership style and then put it into action. 

Undecided About Future Career

What will you do after high school? We help students (and parents!) answer that big question by exposing them to career options and connecting them with industry leaders to gain clarity on what they do (or don’t) want to pursue after graduation.

Desire for Inclusion

When students bring their authentic selves to the table, amazing results happen! Engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds across Georgia and relatable volunteers fosters intentional inclusivity, leveraging diversity for collective impact.

21CL Transforms Students into Leaders

Our programs come at little to no cost, enabling all students to access our programs, experiences, and resources. 21st Century Leaders offers programs and hands-on experiences that develop leadership skills, career readiness, and an inclusive perspective in Georgia’s high school students through:

  • Interactive Programs
  • Engaging Experiences
  • Networking with peers & professionals

Our Partners

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Our Programs

Our interactive programs are facilitated by 21CL staff, alumni, subject matter experts, and corporate partners. There are three ways a student can join 21st Century Leaders: 

  1. Enroll in Leadership Connect
  2. Join a 21CLub at their school or community center
  3. Apply to and attend one of our Summer Leadership Institutes.

Once a student becomes a 21st Century Leader through at least one of the programs listed, they have access to additional experiences and opportunities that will inspire them to lead.

Leadership Connect

Foster lifelong leadership skills through our exclusive online platform and foundational program for high school students.  Leadership Connect’s gamified, self-paced curriculum lets students engage in self-discovery, connect with peers, and earn rewards and special opportunities. Unlock 21CL’s experiences through Leadership Connect. 

Year-round enrollment available.

DISCOVER LEADERSHIP CONNECT
21CLubs

Discover leadership through our school and community programs, emphasizing servant leadership. Join or start a club to plan service projects, host forums, and develop leadership skills from a student-led perspective. 21Club members gain access to Leadership Connect for enhanced development. 

Join or start a 21CLub!

LEARN MORE ABOUT 21CLUBS
Summer Institutes

Explore leadership in our flagship residential institutes! Spend a transformative week on a college campus networking, collaborating on capstone challenges, and engaging with industry leaders. Each institute emphasizes leadership development in a crucial industry. Gain access to Leadership Connect as part of summer acceptance. 

Application required for this program as summer slots are limited.

EXPLORE SUMMER INSTITUTES

Our Experiences

Joining our organization opens doors to year-round experiences for high school students, fostering personal and professional leadership development through connections with companies, volunteers, alumni, and peers. Explore our additional experiences to stay connected, take on leadership roles, and continue your dynamic leadership journey.

Leadership Summits

Our summits are one-day training experiences where students work together in teams to problem-solve workplace challenges and community issues. Students gain insight into careers through workshops and panels led by summit partners. All current students can register for these experiences.

Internships & Scholarships

Seniors can apply for a paid summer internship and a post-secondary education scholarship through our program. Partnering with host companies, we help bridge the equity gap by offering valuable work experience and reducing financial barriers to post-secondary opportunities. Eligibility requires completing 3 Levels in Leadership Connect.

Georgia Youth Leadership Awards

Annually, we celebrate the leadership of 21 outstanding students across Georgia through our Georgia Youth Leadership Awards (GYLA). Award recipients are recognized at our Be the Inspiration Gala, receive a monetary scholarship, and are paired with a community business leader to mentor them. Eligibility for nomination requires completing 1 Level in Leadership Connect.

Youth Ambassadors

Youth Ambassadors are the voices of 21st Century Leaders, representing diverse perspectives and serving as advocates. They empower high school students statewide to join our community, building connections among peers, volunteers, alumni, and supporters. Eligibility to apply requires completing 2 Levels in Leadership Connect.

EXPLORE OUR EXPERIENCES
UNLOCK OUR EXPERIENCES

What Our Future Leaders Say
About Us

Our Student Success Stories

Group photo of the 2025 Georgia Youth Leadership Award winners and their coaches, taken Feb. 1, 2025 at their Meet & Greet luncheon in at Emory's Goizueta Business School.
February 4, 2025
21CL Announces 2025 Georgia Youth Leadership Awardees
21 high school students will be recognized with 21st Century Leaders' Georgia Youth Leadership Award and the Be the Inspiration Gala on March 15, 2025.
35th Anniversary - Jade Benett
December 18, 2024
Alumni Spotlight: Jade Bennett
Learning how to craft an elevator pitch and network effectively was incredibly valuable. Understanding how to network properly and efficiently is an essential skill, especially in Washington D.C. and on Capitol Hill. This skill has stayed with me throughout high school, college, and now in my professional career. I am truly grateful to 21CL for teaching me and other high school students these important skills at such a crucial stage in our lives
35th Anniversary - Munzir Ataalsid
December 18, 2024
Alumni Spotlight: Munzir Ataalsid
Programs like 21CL are a gift of knowledge and experience like no other. One gets to meet new people both peers and professionals, exercise their public speaking and leadership skills, as well as be taken out of their comfort zone so they can improve. Programs like these are crucial as it’s difficult to gain the experience and knowledge by yourself or casually going about life. This focused program rapidly improves your skills and puts you ahead in life, socially and occupationally.

Take the First Step on Your Leadership Journey

21CL offers four hands-on experiences that provide additional opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills, explore careers, and cultivate an inclusive attitude.

Step 1
Join 21st Century Leaders
Ready to become a 21st Century Leader? Students can join by enrolling in Leadership Connect, joining a 21CLub, or by applying to a summer leadership institute. Once you join, you’ll have access to all of our other programs and experiences.​
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Step 1
Step 2
Develop Your Leadership
Now that you’re a 21st Century Leader, plan to attend our programs and experiences throughout the school year and summer. Our summits take place twice a year, you can attend more than one program, and our experiences occur annually. Keep your leadership skills sharp year-round!​
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Step 2
Step 3
Continue Your Leadership Journey
When you join 21st Century Leaders through any of our three main programs, your membership extends throughout high school. We believe in continuous leadership development, so until you graduate, you'll have ongoing access and invitations to all 21CL programs and experiences each year.​
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Step 3
STEP UP TODAY