About the Program

The Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce Teen Leadership Institute is a program designed to educate through experience and motivate young leaders to take an active role in their community.  Through education, networking, peer interaction and problem solving, the Teen Leadership Institute helps prepare students for constructive and responsible involvement in community affairs.  

Participants will have the opportunities for substantive interaction with his or her peers, community based service organizations, institutions of higher education, and professionals from the local community.  Participants in the program learn the importance of teamwork and gain a better understanding of what it means to be a leader.

Since its inception in 1988, 1,238 Pitt County high school students have graduated from the program.

Program Objectives

  • Acquire a network of youth leaders in Greenville-Pitt County, which can form an excellent basis for their success in their post high school careers.
  • To prepare and allow students to participate in the group process.
  • Gain an awareness of the need for community service, civic participation, and goodwill.
  • Increase familiarity with areas of Greenville-Pitt County beyond their immediate neighborhood and school.
  • To encourage participants to undertake leadership roles to improve their own environment.

Testimonials

"I contribute a great part of my high school success to the skills, opportunities, and connections I gained through the Teen Leadership Institute.  There is simply no other program like it.  The TLI is a launchpad for ambitious students looking to capitalize on the opportunities around them."  
- Landon Elks, Class of 2023

"I am so glad that I have the opportunity to be a part of the Teen Leadership Institute Program as it played an instrumental role in my life and in my college application process. It has been a life changing experience that has helped me cultivate my passion for volunteer work, civic leadership, and learn more about myself in the process."
- Michelle Saucedo-Trinidad, Class of 2023

2025-2026 Program Session Dates

  • Session I - Wednesday, November 5, 2025
  • Session II - Wednesday, December 3, 2025
  • Session III - Wednesday, February 4, 2026
  • Session IV - Tuesday, March 10, 2026
  • Session V - Wednesday, April 1, 2026
  • Graduation Ceremony - Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Time: 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Qualifications - All Applicants Must:

  • Attend a Pitt County high school (Public, Private & Homeschool)
  • Be a rising junior
  • Carry a minimum unweighted GPA 3.0
  • Demonstrate outstanding qualities as existing or potential leaders and posses the desire to affect change in their community
  • Attach a one-page resume (click here for sample resume)
  • Attach one (1) signed letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, employer, etc..

Selection Process

  • 30-35 total students (juniors only) from each area high school are selected to participate.
  • Selections are made by the Teen Leadership Institute Advisory Board based upon the information submitted via the online application.
  • Applications must be submitted by the required due date to be considered for participation.

Timeline

  • August 22 - Application process opens
  • September 19 - Application process closes at 3:00 p.m.
  • October 10 - TLI Advisory Board meets to review applications and select participants
  • October 13 - Students and school administrators are notified via email of their selection
  • October 22 - Orientation reception for the participants
    The orientation reception is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22 at the Eddie & Jo Allison Smith Center for Student Advancement (Chris Smith Multipurpose Room) on the campus of Pitt Community College.

Application Form

Access Application Form Here

Application forms are due by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025.

Questions?

Please contact Kimber Stone or call 252.752.4101 ext. 2222.

Presenting Sponsors

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