The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is starting a new program beginning this summer to create a Youth Leadership Class of 2016.

Ten students that will graduate from high school in 2016 will be chosen to be a part of the Youth Leadership Class of 2016. These students will participate in a series of educational expeditions and opportunities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that will culminate with the National Park Service centennial in 2016.

The goal is to recruit a diverse group of students who are willing to commit to involvement with the program over the next four years and who have potential for becoming tomorrow’s conservation leaders. The students will commit to one week each summer for an active outdoor learning expedition within the park and be willing to attend additional outings and education opportunities at other times throughout the program. Tremont is looking for program sponsors to cover the annual costs for the students. In addition, each student will be expected to help identify a community sponsor that will fund them for $100 each year. www.gsmit.org or 865.448.6709.