TOTAL Youth Leadership Program Overview

What is TOTAL?  The Total Leadership Program in Tipton County is a joint project of the Covington-Tipton County and South Tipton County Chambers of Commerce.  The program commenced in 1998 and was later developed for youth with the same concept. TOTAL  provides a learning experience to help develop community awareness and leadership skills.  The program focuses on current issues and concerns in Tipton County.

What is the Benefit?  TOTAL provides a better understanding of the community.  Participants will become motivated to discover their own leadership traits and become better informed, committed and qualified individuals who can contribute unique knowledge and skills to Tipton County.

Objectives.   To identify, train and nurture potential leaders who might otherwise not be recognized; to further enhance and develop communication, decision making skills, and varying approaches to leadership; to encourage initiative and creativity; to have an increased awareness of community needs, opportunities, problems and resources; to become responsible, ethical leaders committed to active community involvement.

Program Timeline and Information.  The program begins in September each year and concludes in April/May of the following year.  Sessions include:  Teambuilding, Public Safety, Education, Healthcare, Economic and Community Development, Workforce Development, Community History and Quality of Life..  To avoid conflicts, students should compare their schedule with the dates listed for each session.

Participation. Youth participation is open to any high school junior (11th grade) from Brighton, Covington and Munford High Schools, Tipton Rosemark Academy and Tipton Christian Academy.  They must be residents of Tipton County, have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be recommended by the School Site Coordinator.  Final selection is made by an Advisory Board and is based on involvement in school and community organizations and activities; offices held; and, honors and awards .

Successful Completion.  To complete this program and receive certification, students must commit to attend all sessions.  Attendance at all sessions is required in order to graduate from the program.

Tuition.   A tuition fee of $200 per person is payable at or before the opening reception. Tuition fees fund about one-half of actual participant cost.  Program sponsors underwrite the remaining costs.  Costs include meals and transportation to and from program locations during sessions, program materials, etc.  Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from for most sessions.  Buses will transport students from designated places for most sessions. When buses are utilized, students may NOT drive separately.

Applications.  Students will receive applications from faculty/administrative leadership at each school. THERE ARE NO ONLINE APPLICATIONS. Deadline for applications is Friday, August 25th, 2023. Please see TOTAL Youth Schedule. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email lauren@covington-tiptoncochamber.com.