Teen Leadership Rockland is a leadership development program for sophomore level high school students. The program connects students with leadership potential with peers and community leaders through interactive seminars.
Students are required to attend ALL sessions in full. Please review the tentative schedule below and consider all of your activities and obligations before applying. Business casual dress is expected.
This program is open to all high school sophomores who reside in and/or attend school in Rockland County and are interested in developing leadership skills for their community and future careers. No current leadership experience is required; a demonstrated ability to take initiative and a commitment to learning are equally important to the members of the selection committee.
Almost all sessions take place on designated Tuesday evenings from 6:00pm - 7:45pm. Schedule is subject to change.
Session Topic | Date |
Orientation & Introduction to Leadership | October 28, 2025 |
Public Speaking | November 18, 2025 |
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | December 2, 2025 |
Social Justice | December 9, 2025 |
Health Services | December 16, 2025 |
Arts & Culture | January 13, 2026 |
Leadership in County Government | THURS. January 29, 2026 |
Understanding the Justice System Part 1: Police | February 3, 2026 |
Understanding the Justice System Part 2: Court | February 10, 2026 |
History of Rockland County | March 3, 2026 |
Optimizing the College Experience | March 10, 2026 |
Environmental Stewardship | March 17, 2026 |
Life Lessons: Interviews with Community Leaders | March 24, 2026 |
Graduation |
April 7, 2026 |
Snow Dates | January 6 & February 24 |
All programs will be held in Rockland County. A list of sites will be provided at the Orientation session.
Participants are expected to arrange their own transportation to and from all session locations. If you are accepted into the program, but cannot arrange transportation, please contact the coordinator, Kristin Ruggiero, at klf37@cornell.edu.
$100
($80 if the application and recommendation are received by September 15)
When the application becomes available, applicants should:
Applicants will be informed by email as to the status of their application.
NOTE: Class size is limited. Applicants will only be considered if they submit their entire application online (including the letter of recommendation from an adult, non-family member) by the deadline and take part in the interview process.
Application (with recommendation) due: October 6, 2026
For a reduced rate, apply by September 15, 2026.
View a PDF of the application questions before submitting your responses.
Kristin Ruggiero
4-H Resource Educator
klf37@cornell.edu
(845) 429-7085 x 103
Last updated July 22, 2025