Applications are being accepted for the Youth Leadership Forsyth class of 2009.

The deadline to apply for the annual program, which is for high school juniors, is Sept. 2. Between 36-38 spots are available.

Established in 2000, the program provides students from public, private and home schools an opportunity to meet their peers from across the county while developing lifelong leadership skills, service learning and a deeper understanding of their community.

“Youth Leadership Forsyth is like no other program in our county,” said Vicky Clair, administrative director. “Our eight-month program provides students with a deep level of enrichment and leadership training."

Participants take part in four half-day sessions, held on Forsyth County Schools' early release days, and two full-day sessions, as well as an orientation, Leadership Summit evening retreat and graduation ceremony.

Sessions begin in September and run through March, with graduation in April.

"The best part is that all of this knowledge will come along with a lot of fun too," said Judi Jenkins, 2009 class coordinator. "Our leadership summit and every class session will be jam-packed with activities that the students will have a blast participating in.”

Students interested in this year's YLF class should have:

* a 2.5 or higher grade-point average

* shown leadership in school and community activities

* interest in developing leadership abilities and learning more about Cumming and Forsyth County

* commitment to full participation on all class days

* have approval of their parents or guardian and school principal (when applicable)

For more information or an application, contact: Judi Jenkins at (770) 887-2461, Ext. 203364, or jjenkins@forsyth.k12.ga.us.