URGENT UPDATE: Twenty-eight high school students from across Georgia have just graduated from the second cohort of Youth LEAD Georgia, a groundbreaking leadership program facilitated by the University of Georgia and Chick-fil-A. The graduation ceremony, held on November 10, 2025, at Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, marks a significant milestone in the students’ leadership journey.
Throughout the year, these students engaged in a transformative experience that included leadership sessions, community interactions, and a weeklong bus tour across the state. The program, fully funded by a generous $1.5 million pledge from Chick-fil-A, ensures accessibility for participants from diverse backgrounds.
Among the graduates is Holden Walton from Valdosta, who exemplifies the program’s impact. The cohort met five times, participating in regional sessions and a summer summit that gathered over 150 youth from Georgia. This year’s graduates included students from Sale City, Augusta, Smyrna, Albany, and many more locations, reflecting the program’s broad reach.
As part of the graduation, select students received Bullard Community Champion grants, empowering them to implement service projects in their communities. Funded by Rodney Bullard, CEO of The Same House, and Regions Bank, these grants enable youth-led initiatives addressing local needs. Walton was among the nine recipients, showcasing the program’s commitment to fostering community engagement and leadership.
This celebration represents not just an educational achievement but a commitment to civic engagement and leadership development among Georgia’s youth. The urgency of such initiatives is underscored by the need for empowered leaders to tackle pressing community challenges.
Looking ahead, the success of this cohort sets the stage for future programs, as Youth LEAD Georgia continues to nurture the next generation of leaders. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming initiatives and the impact of these young leaders in their communities.
