About the Program

The Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce Teen Leadership Institute is a program designed to educate through experience and motivate young leaders to take an active role in their community.  Through education, networking, peer interaction and problem solving, the Teen Leadership Institute helps prepare students for constructive and responsible involvement in community affairs.  

Participants will have the opportunities for substantive interaction with his or her peers, community based service organizations, institutions of higher education, and professionals from the local community.  Participants in the program learn the importance of teamwork and gain a better understanding of what it means to be a leader.

Since its inception in 1988, 1,238 Pitt County high school students have graduated from the program.

Program Objectives

  • Acquire a network of youth leaders in Greenville-Pitt County, which can form an excellent basis for their success in their post high school careers.
  • To prepare and allow students to participate in the group process.
  • Gain an awareness of the need for community service, civic participation, and goodwill.
  • Increase familiarity with areas of Greenville-Pitt County beyond their immediate neighborhood and school.
  • To encourage participants to undertake leadership roles to improve their own environment.

Testimonials

"I contribute a great part of my high school success to the skills, opportunities, and connections I gained through the Teen Leadership Institute.  There is simply no other program like it.  The TLI is a launchpad for ambitious students looking to capitalize on the opportunities around them."  
- Landon Elks, Class of 2023

"I am so glad that I have the opportunity to be a part of the Teen Leadership Institute Program as it played an instrumental role in my life and in my college application process. It has been a life changing experience that has helped me cultivate my passion for volunteer work, civic leadership, and learn more about myself in the process."
- Michelle Saucedo-Trinidad, Class of 2023

 

"During my time in the Teen Leadership Institute, our group partnered with Building Hope, a nonprofit after-school program, to design and implement a community project that would create a lasting impact for the children involved. Together, we raised $2,500, collaborated with Maker Space to build a stage at their facility, and organized a talent show that gave about 50 students the opportunity to showcase their skills and build confidence. Personally, I found the most significant challenge to be managing my time. Between a rigorous academic schedule and daily commitments to school soccer, it was often difficult to find time to visit Building Hope regularly. Despite that, I made it a priority to volunteer every Friday. Each visit reminded me of the importance of consistency and follow-through. The children were always excited to see us and knowing that my presence made a difference motivated me to keep showing up. The program strengthened my leadership skills, improved my ability to collaborate with others toward a shared goal, and taught me how to balance responsibilities while still giving back to my community. Most importantly, it showed me the value of meaningful service. Watching the students’ pride on stage and knowing I helped create that moment is something I’ll never forget."
- Emily Brewer

2025-2026 Program Session Dates

  • Session I - Wednesday, November 5, 2025
  • Session II - Wednesday, December 3, 2025
  • Session III - Wednesday, February 4, 2026
  • Session IV - Tuesday, March 10, 2026
  • Session V - Wednesday, April 1, 2026
  • Graduation Ceremony - Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Time: 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Qualifications - All Applicants Must:

  • Attend a Pitt County high school (Public, Private, or Homeschool)
  • Currently be enrolled as a junior (11th grade)
  • Carry a minimum unweighted GPA 3.0
  • Demonstrate outstanding qualities as existing or potential leaders and possess the desire to affect change in their community
  • Attach one (1) signed letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, employer, etc.

Selection Process

  • 30-35 total students (juniors only) from each area high school are selected to participate.
  • Selections are made by the Teen Leadership Institute Advisory Board based upon the information submitted via the online application.
  • Applications must be submitted by the required due date to be considered for participation.

Timeline

  • August 22 - Application process opens
  • September 19 - Application process closes at 3:00 p.m.
  • October 10 - TLI Advisory Board meets to review applications and select participants
  • October 13 - Students and school administrators are notified via email of their selection
  • October 22 - Orientation reception for the participants
    The orientation reception is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22 at the Eddie & Jo Allison Smith Center for Student Advancement (Chris Smith Multipurpose Room) on the campus of Pitt Community College.

Questions?

Please contact Kimber Stone or call 252.752.4101 ext. 2222.

Presenting Sponsors

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