Leadership Division

The selection process begins in February with application information being sent to each school.  Using the program objectives and eligibility requirements as a guideline, individual educators nominate their student of choice.  Potential participants are asked to complete an application and supply two letters of reference from a community leader and an educator.

In March, applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee made up of business members of the community and educators.  The Selection Committee strives to achieve balance in the class by ensuring diversity of race/ethnicity, gender, and schools.  All applicants will be notified of the selected in April of each year.

Class members are chosen by their own merits based upon their application.  The committee chooses eight rising juniors from Sumter County High School, Furlow Charter School and Southland Academy.

Due to the COVID-19 Virus Applications are NOW being accepted through July 15^th.  Click Here for the Chamber Champions Application for 2020-2021 school year.

Chamber Champions begins every August with a Parent/Student Orientation and Reception.  Students meet for six (6) programs with graduation occurring in April or early May.  Each program is from 9:00am to 2:00 pm and is an excused absence from school.

100% participation and completion are mandatory to graduate from Chamber Champions.  (Exceptions can be approved through the Chamber Leadership Division.  Any Module missed will be given to student to review and author a report on the topic.)   This is a serious time commitment, and participants not complying with the attendance requirement will be dismissed from the program.

Chamber Champions is coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Division.  The program is designed to serve students from Americus-Sumter County High School South Campus, Furlow Charter School, Southland Academy, and the Americus Region Christian Home Educators (ARCHE). 

Students must be nominated by their teachers and principals and approval must come from school administration and each student’s parents.  Students are selected on their genuine interest in learning about leadership skills and working together as a team, and demonstration of leadership in school and community activities.  It is important to have a cultural balance with students from diverse backgrounds.  This initiative targets 20-25 students for one day per month for 6 months. 

Topics covered during these sessions will include Self-Presentation & Customer Service Training, Time & Stress Management and Robert’s Rules of Order, Personal and Business Finance, How to Start a Business, Marketing a Business and Product, and Higher Education Exposure. These modules will be instrumental in developing our future workforce.  CRITERIA: Student must have a minimum of a 3.0 academic average, be involved in a one or more extra-curricular activities, must complete an essay on how the private sector leads a community.  The essay must be a minimum of 150 words and must be given with application.  Currently, the program is serving 20 students: 8 from Americus-Sumter High South Campus and 12 from Southland Academy.  During the summer months, students collected volunteer service hours to turn in with scholarship.