Sandy Springs high school students have until Monday, Sept. 28, to apply for Fulton County's CONNECTED: Youth Leadership Program.

The yearlong program, known as CYLP, pairs students with community leaders and career exploration opportunities. Fulton County's Department of Community Development runs it with 21st Century Leaders, a Georgia nonprofit that has worked with more than 20,000 high school students from over 250 schools since 1989, according to the county.

Students at North Springs High School, Riverwood International Charter School and other Fulton County schools are eligible. Applicants must be enrolled in high school, live in Fulton County and have access to a computer or tablet with Wi-Fi. The technology requirement ties to the program's online learning platform, Leadership Connect, where students complete coursework and activities throughout the year.

Applications close at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 28. Students apply on the Fulton County website at fultoncountyga.gov/CYLP.

What the program offers

CYLP uses what the county calls an "EPIC" model: engaging, participatory, interactive and connected. The county's press release describes the program as helping students develop leadership skills, explore career interests and make decisions about educational pathways they need to reach their goals.

Participants take part in live workshops and leadership summits alongside the online coursework. The program offers gift cards ranging from $25 to $100, technology prizes and weekly drawings based on how actively students participate.

High school juniors and seniors can compete for a paid summer internship.

What comes next

A virtual orientation for accepted participants is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 1.

The county posted the announcement on Sept. 17. CYLP is a returning program, though the county has not published prior-year enrollment figures.

Families with questions can contact Dionne Ferrell, the county's youth coordinator for the program, at [email protected].