High school sophomores and juniors from over twenty York County high schools learn to become lifelong, responsible, active participants in their hometown community. Participants develop leadership skills and lasting relationships with each other and community leaders. The program runs from October through May.
Through interaction and problem solving with peer and community leaders, students:
Learn about York County government, business, human services, and cultural arts
Meet students from other York County schools
Develop leadership skills
Discuss issues with community leaders
In addition to a Saturday retreat and 6 weekday sessions, the students perform community service projects, meet with established community leaders, participate in a community leader networking session and learn about informed giving and grant-making, both in theory and in actual practice.
Program Facilitators: Kathy Deisley & Kim Lentz
Thank you to our 2025-2026 Program Sponsor:
PennAir’s commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders aligns seamlessly with their dedication to excellence in the manufacturing and construction industries. To learn more about PennAir's innovative solutions and services, please visit their website at pennair.com.
Application Process
Students are selected by their respective school districts in late spring for participation during the following school year, and represent most public and private high schools in York County.
High school personnel are encouraged to look beyond typical school leadership criteria when selecting participants in order to identify previously untapped leadership potential.
The tuition for participating students is $500, and is covered by the sponsoring school. This fee does not, however, cover the true cost of the program, and Leadership York relies on the generosity of York County's business and philanthropic community in order to offer this training in community involvement for our youth.
Students interested in becoming a Future Leader of York should apply through their high school guidance office.
FUTURE LEADERS OF YORK PROGRAM
AWARDS GRANTS TO FOUR NONPROFITS
FLY Students awarding windy hill senior center their grant
Photo Credit: Emily Arndt @emslens23
We’re thrilled to celebrate the impact of last year’s 36th FLY class. Through an enhanced partnership with the York County Community Foundation (YCCF), students had the opportunity to award more grant funding than ever before, deepening their real-world experience with philanthropy and community impact.
Thirty-four students from 23 York County high schools reviewed more than $74,500 in requests from 12 local nonprofits, ultimately awarding $20,000 in grants to support:
Windy Hill Senior Center – creation of a dedicated Wellness Room
Family First Health – confidential health appointments at William Penn Senior High School
Catholic Harvest Food Pantry – fresh food items to supplement non-perishables
Leg Up Farm – implementation of an Interactive Metronome therapy program
The class’s thoughtful decision-making and commitment to service demonstrated how young people can drive real change in York County, leaving an inspiring legacy as we welcome the next group of future leaders.
“Future Leaders of York instilled in me the concept of philanthropy at a much earlier stage in my life compared to the rest of my peers. As I reflect on where I am now with my career and my involvement in the community, I definitely credit FLY as being the main contributor of my passion to serve the local community. ”
