


Empowering Students to Learn by Doing
Designed for students entering their junior year in high school, the Leadership U program empowers students to learn by doing. Students can expect to:
- Work in teams to discuss, reflect upon and develop solutions for problems that affect them and their peers in the community.
- Develop mentoring relationships with adult community leaders.
- Learn about Howard County’s government, businesses, and services.
- Sharpen their presentation skills.
Leadership U 2022 held its Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, December 8th. To view this recorded presentation, please click here.
Interested in Applying?
The application process for LHC’s Leadership U 2023 program is now closed. Information on joining Leadership U 2024 will be available soon. Please contact Tim Payne, President & CEO or call 410-730-4474 with any questions.
Benefits of the LU Program
As a teacher in the County, I want to express my gratitude and admiration for the opportunities Leadership U has given my students. Over my 20 years with Howard County, I know of no other program that builds our student population into considerate, responsible, engaged citizens. Read More…
Click here to register for the upcoming (virtual) Information Session: February 23, 2023 from 7 to 8 pm
Additional Information Sessions will be held (in-person) on March 9 (HCL’s East Columbia Branch) and March 21 (HCL’s Glenwood Branch) both dates from 7 to 8 pm – visit LHC’s Event page to register; advanced registration is appreciated but walk-ins are also welcome!
Click here to be directed to the recorded presentation of LU Graduation (2020)
Volunteer & Mentor Opportunities
If you enjoy working with high school students and want to help a motivated group of students make an impact on their community, please consider being an LU Mentor! As part of their leadership development, students work in teams and design their own community service projects. Adult mentors work closely with the teams and help guide their efforts and projects LU teams meet twice a month on Sunday afternoons (from 2 – 4:30 p.m.) for 9 weeks, from August through December.
Throughout the program year, there are additional opportunities and needs for volunteers. Click the below button for more details.
For information or to volunteer, email Emily McCoy Bish, or call 410-730-4474.
Frequently Asked Questions
Testimonials
Click here to hear about Dylan’s LU experience
Leadership U made an impact on many levels, more than just the surface. Of course, through a program as extraordinary as LU, I gained a toolset of skills that I will carry with me through my high school, college, and professional life; but the most profound aspect of LU was how it brought me together with people of varying backgrounds and instilled in me a passion for helping others in our Howard County community.
As a teacher in the County, I want to express my gratitude and admiration for the opportunities Leadership U has given my students. Over my 20 years with Howard County, I know of no other program that builds our student population into considerate, responsible, engaged citizens.
LU provided me with the opportunity to see how I can stay engaged in the community as a student and future leader to affect others.
Leadership U exposed me to networks of professionals in Howard County who share my passion for fostering social justice, which inspired me to further engage with my community and initiate action where it was needed and start a food pantry at my school.