Leadership Oswego County Youth Now Accepting Applications

OSWEGO COUNTY – Oswego County high school students who are interested in a fun learning experience while developing their leadership skills can now apply to the Leadership Oswego County Youth (LOCY) Program.

“Leadership Oswego County Youth is open to all high school students,” said Oswego County Youth Bureau Executive Director Brian Chetney. “Through this program, youth gain lifelong skills that inspire them to create meaningful change in their homes, schools and communities and will continue to benefit them throughout their adult lives.”

LOCY focuses on helping high school students develop leadership, public speaking, team building, community awareness, decision-making skills and much more. The curriculum is built on a series of lessons, workshops and activities that reinforce aspects of personal, team and community growth, and combine discussions and activities that relate to the Oswego County community.

“Exceptional academic, athletic or musical accomplishments are not required; what matters most is a genuine willingness to learn and grow,” Chetney said. “Consistent attendance and active participation are essential. We are looking for students who are prepared to fully commit to the program.

“We also encourage students from every school district to join us, as representation from all areas of the county is an important part of the experience,” he added. “By bringing together students from across the county, participants gain a better understanding of the community they call home while building meaningful connections and expanding their network of peers.”

The LOCY program is coordinated by the Oswego County Youth Bureau. The agency sponsors tuition costs for students from every Oswego County school district, so there is no cost to the family or the school for youth to participate.

Monthly classes are held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on a Wednesday from September through May. Students meet at CiTi BOCES, 179 Co. Rte. 64, Mexico; riding their school district regular bus to the campus.

2026-2027 classes run on the following dates: Sept. 23, Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Dec. 16, Jan. 13, Feb. 24, March 31, April 28, and May 19.

In addition to classes, participation is required at a launch retreat at Camp Hollis, 40 Health Camp Rd., Oswego, on Tuesday, Aug. 25. A mid-year retreat will be held in February, and the program concludes in May with another retreat and graduation. Students and their families are responsible for transportation to and from retreats.

To be able to offer this program and ensure the best use of sponsorship funds, each student’s full commitment to the program is essential.

Enrolled students will be contacted by the program coordinator after the registration deadline.

The application deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 5. Any high school student interested in participating may apply online by clicking on the Leadership Oswego County Youth application form for 2026-2027.

For more information about the program or to ask about the online application process, contact Tiffany Halstead, program co-coordinator for Leadership Oswego County Youth, at 315-349-3590 or [email protected].