Midland Young Leaders Challenge with General Tommy Franks Now Accepting Applications for 2019 Summer ProgramJanuary 23, 2019

The Midland Young Leaders Challenge is a world-class leadership program open to an elite group of the top performing rising high school seniors in Midland County, free of charge. The General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute, Midland College and Midland Independent School District are collaborating to create this opportunity for our next generation of leaders.  The program launched in 2018 to rave reviews from students and educators, and will be held again June 12-13 at Midland College. 

Thanks to various community partners, the Midland Young Leaders Challenge offers $6,000 in scholarships to participants who excel in persuasive speech and demonstrate overall leadership potential.

The Young Leaders Challenge celebrates the legacy of Tommy Franks who grew up in Midland and became a military hero. Franks achieved the rank of a four-star general during his decorated Army career, which included many honors, including being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“I look forward to working with a new set of students this summer,” said General Franks. “The Midland Young Leaders Challenge is sure to develop leadership skills and provide life-changing experiences.”

The two-day workshop will challenge students’ leadership ability and confidence through persuasive communication, character and leadership development. In addition, students will be confronted with practical leadership and ethical scenarios and then challenged to address them in a persuasive speech competition.

“Midland College is proud to be a community sponsor for the Midland Young Leaders Challenge with General Tommy Franks,” said Steve Thomas, Midland College President. “We are looking forward to hosting a select group of outstanding high school students as they participate in fast-paced, high-level, interactive summer sessions that will enable them to discover their natural leadership abilities.”

Program curriculum is designed around General Franks’ four stars of leadership: character, common vision, communication and caring. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with General Franks and prominent Midland leaders, as well as compete to earn scholarships and to attend the national Four Star Leadership program hosted by General Tommy Franks July 14-18 in Edmond, Oklahoma.

“We are honored to be a partner of Midland Young Leaders Challenge,” said Midland ISD Superintendent Orlando Riddick. “This remarkable program of leadership and character building is a tremendous asset to our students and the community.

Applications and nominations for Midland Young Leaders Challenge 2019 are being accepted now through March 22. School counselors, coaches, scouting leaders and directors of youth programs are encouraged to nominate Midland County high school juniors in their organization. For more information on the program, to nominate a student or to apply, visit the MISD website