Press Releases

21 high school students will be recognized with 21st Century Leaders' Georgia Youth Leadership Award and the Be the Inspiration Gala on March 21, 2026.

21st Century Leaders helped me develop a leadership style rooted in confidence, communication, and self-awareness. The program pushed me to become more outspoken and intentional about how I lead and how I use my voice.

The most memorable moment during my 21st Century Leaders years was the opportunity to give a speech during the closing of the program I was attending. After meeting so many talented and hard-working individuals, it was rewarding for me to share my perspective about what we had accomplished during the short week-long program

Regardless of which 21CL program you attend, you gain essential soft skills—teamwork, leadership, grit, and public speaking—that will support you in any field. My advice to students is to take the networking opportunities seriously. People are eager to support you at this stage, and you never know how one connection could help shape your future.

looking back, the way I choose to lead likely has its roots in the 21CL program. I believe in servant leadership, advocating for owning our own career development, and investing in those around you, all tenets of the 21CL philosophy.

I believe 21CL is one of the most important programs and institutions an aspiring young leader can attend/ be a part of. I’ve had the privilege of attending the program, as well as working as a Summer Leadership Team member, Institute Director for the Summer Institutes and serving on the Alumni Board. I know what it is like to be heavily involved in 21CL and watch countless students go through the program and grow from their experiences

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 21st Century Leaders Appoints New Chair of its Board of Directors New Executive Slate also

21st Century Leaders announces the 36 students selected to serve as Youth Ambassadors for the 2025-2026 school year.

21CL helped me learn to lead with confidence while also valuing collaboration and diverse perspectives, and I received practical opportunities to apply these skills. That’s my leadership style inspired by 21CL!