Rockdale Youth Leadership

CLICK HERE for application. Due 5:00 p.m. September 5, 2025. 

The Rockdale Youth Leadership (RYL) program is a collaboration of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and Rockdale County Public Schools, provides leadership development and community awareness training for 10th grade students in Rockdale County and is held from September through April.

Aspiring youth leaders have the opportunity during the program to interact with community leaders, local elected officials, and school administrators to enhance their awareness of community needs and resources. Through interactive workshops, special tours, and community service projects, RYL participants will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become confident, caring leaders in their community and respective schools.

Participating students must be nominated by another student, parent, teacher, counselor, administrator, or by themself to participate in this year’s program.  Students must complete the application and have the reference forms completed by a counselor and a coach, teacher, or administrator at their school.

To be nominated for participation in RYL, students must have met the following criteria:

•   Demonstrate leadership potential. (school/community)
•   Minimum 2.5 GPA.
•  Student in good standing with clear attendance and behavior records. (We review high school attendance and discipline reports.)
•   Willing to participate in community service activities.
•    Willing to participate in all sessions after school including some Saturdays.
•    Willing to pursue a school leadership role following participation in the program.
•   Complete the application in its entirety.

Application link is at the top of this webpage.

The 2025-2026 RYL program is held from September 2025 to April 2026. Please review the entire RYL application packet (link at top of the page) to understand all the requirements. Students must complete the application and have the reference forms completed by a counselor and a coach, teacher, or administrator at their school.  The RYL Class of 2026 will kick-off on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, with an orientation session. Accepted students must attend the orientation session along with at least one parent/guardian.

The RYL application deadline is FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5. 2025, by 5:00 p.m.  Applications may be submitted electronically or as a hard copy. 

Hard copy: To submit a hard copy of the application, complete the form and return it to Samantha Swaney, School Student Relations Specialist at Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers, GA.  Must be received by the deadline. 

Electronic copy: To submit an electronic copy of the application, complete the form, save it with your name in the file name, and e-mail it to Bridgett Copeland, bcopeland@rockdale.k12.ga.us.  Must be received by the deadline. 

Be sure that teacher and counselor references are sent in a timely manner, so the person making the reference can complete and return the form by the deadline.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

Bridgette Copeland, RYL District Sponsor, bcopeland@rockdale.k12.ga.us

Samantha Swaney, RYL School Sponsor, sswaney@rockdale.k12.ga.us