Host Janet Michael sits down with Missy Spielman to discuss the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber's Arising Leadership Program (ALP) — a free, two-week summer program designed to expose local high schoolers to career opportunities right in their own backyard.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

What the Arising Leadership Program is and how it got started
How the ALP differs from the Chamber's Community Leadership Program (CLP)
Why exposing students to local industries matters — "If you can't see it, you can't be it"
What industries students will explore: manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, government & public safety, nonprofit, and media
How the program addresses common misconceptions about careers
What the graduation ceremony looks like and why it matters
How businesses and individuals can become sponsors

Program Details

Who: Rising juniors and seniors in high school (public, private, or homeschooled)
Where: Frederick County, Clarke County, and Winchester, VA
When: Two weeks in June, starting around June 8 — six full days of programming
Cost: Free to students
Group size: Up to 20 students
Transportation: Provided throughout the day once students arrive at the central drop-off location

How to Apply or Get Involved

Website: regionalchamber.biz → Arising Leadership Program page
Phone: (540) 662-4118, ext. 14
Email: mspielman@regionalchamber.biz
Sponsorships: Starting at $500 — contact Missy directly

If You Can't See It, You Can't Be It: Arising Leadership Program