Roswell-area high school students can apply for a free, yearlong county leadership program through Monday, Sept. 28.

The CONNECTED: Youth Leadership Program, or CYLP, pairs Fulton County teens with community leaders and career exploration through virtual workshops, leadership summits and an online learning platform. The Fulton County Department of Community Development runs the program with 21st Century Leaders, a Georgia nonprofit that has served more than 20,000 high school students from more than 250 state high schools since 1989, according to a county press release.

The program is returning for another year. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Sept. 28 at fultoncountyga.gov/CYLP.

To qualify, students must be enrolled in high school and live in Fulton County. That includes students at Roswell High School, Centennial High School and other area schools. Participants also need access to a computer or tablet with Wi-Fi, since the program runs virtually.

Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis, whose District 2 covers North Fulton, promoted the program on X on Sept. 20. Ellis said students would "connect with community leaders, explore careers & more …" and encouraged parents to share the opportunity.

The county government also announced the program on its official X account on Sept. 17, calling on all Fulton County high schoolers to apply before the deadline.

A virtual orientation for accepted participants is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 1.

The yearlong program offers live and self-paced training sessions on the Leadership Connect online platform. Students connect with professionals and peers across the county throughout the year.

Incentives go beyond the training itself. Participants can earn gift cards worth $25 to $100, technology prizes and weekly drawing entries based on engagement. High school juniors and seniors may also be eligible for a paid summer internship through the program.

Families with questions can contact Dionne Ferrell, the county's youth coordinator, at [email protected].