2026-2027 Youth Leadership Omaha Application

Personal Information

Thank you for your interest in YLO. If you haven't already, we suggest reviewing the application questions prior to completing this application. This application will likely take about 30-40 minutes.

IMPORTANT:
You will be asked for the names and email addresses of your school principal, parent(s)/guardian(s) and two references. Make sure to type the names and email addresses correctly, and inform your principal, parent/guardian and references to be on the look out for an email regarding your YLO Application.

Important things to know before applying:

Your application due date is Friday, August 28, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. CT
All other application materials (principal form, parent form and two reference forms) must be submitted by Wednesday, September 2, 2026 @ 4:00 pm CT in order to be reviewed by the Committee. It is your responsibility to ensure those people are completing their forms on your behalf. The following materials are required to be considered for this program:

Application
Parent/Guardian Permission Form
Principal Approval Form
Reference Form #1
Reference Form #2

You will receive a confirmation email once your application and all four reference forms (Parent, Principal, Reference #1, and Reference #2) have been completed and submitted.

Important: Your application will not be considered unless all required forms are submitted.

Please check in with your parent, principal, Reference #1, and Reference #2 to ensure they complete and submit their forms by September 2.

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

How would you like to be addressed (if different than your first name). Ex: "Izzy" for Isabel or "Jay" for Jamar.

Select your size for a quarter-zip sweatshirt (Our sweatshirts are unisex sizes. They run slightly BIG. If you are between sizes, CHOOSE THE SMALLER SIZE):

Mailing Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Your Cell Phone

Your Personal Email Address - TYPE CAREFULLY + DOUBLE CHECK FOR ERRORS
(NOTE: We will use this address to send you communication. It is best not to use your high school email as sometimes outside emails get blocked)

Birthdate

Parent/Guardian #1 Name (**this is the parent who will receive and be asked to complete the "parent permission form")

Parent/Guardian #1 Email

Parent/Guardian #1 Cell Phone

Parent/Guardian #2 Name (Leave blank if NA)

Parent/Guardian #2 Email

Parent/Guardian #2 Cell Phone

Pronouns

Do you identify as Hispanic?

High School Name

High School Counselor Name

Are you currently an exchange student?

Tell Us About Yourself

For each question in this section, keep each individual answer at 100 words or less.

How did you find out about Youth Leadership Omaha at Creighton University?

Please explain:

We are looking for people that represent each of these categories. Select the one that best describes yourself.

In 3-5 sentences, please explain your choice above:

What motivates your interest in leadership?

What is the best way to develop a sense of community and/or belonging?

Identify someone to whom you are not related that you admire. Describe what you value in them.

Describe 1-2 talents or strengths that set you apart.

Describe a time when you helped others succeed rather than focusing on your own success.

If you could spend a day with a current leader, artist, expert, sports star, or entertainer who would you choose and why?

If we gave you one afternoon in Omaha to do anything or meet anyone, how would you wish to spend that time?

Activities

List any school clubs, sports, organizations or activities that you've participated in within the past two years.

List any non-school or non-employment sports, clubs, organizations, or activities that you've participated in within the last two years.

List any special recognition or honors for academic, school, religious or community-related activities you have received over the last two years.

List any employment experiences from the past two years.

Letters of Recommendation

Please list the names of two school staff members or community leaders who will complete a reference form on your behalf. Ensure you type their email correctly, as that is how they will receive the form to complete it.

Reference #1 First Name

Reference #1 Last Name

Reference #1 Email Address (TYPE CAREFULLY AND CHECK FOR ACCURACY)

Reference #1 Position/Role

Reference #2 First Name

Reference #2 Last Name

Reference #2 Email Address (TYPE CAREFULLY AND CHECK FOR ACCURACY)

Reference #2 Position/Role

Principal Permission Form

Please list your school Principal's full name and email address and they will be sent a permission form to complete on your behalf.

Principal First Name

Principal Last Name

Principal Email Address (TYPE CAREFULLY AND CHECK FOR ACCURACY)

Important Things to Know After You Apply

We recommend writing these down:

1. By 9/15/26, you will be notified via email if you have been chosen to move to the interview phase.
2. Save the dates: Interviews will be held September 22, 23 and 26. You will have the option to sign up for an in-person interview at Creighton University or for a virtual interview via Zoom.
3. September 29, 2026: Those who interview will be notified if they have been chosen for the 2026-27 Class of Youth Leadership Omaha.
4. Tuesday, October 20, from 7-8 pm: Mandatory student and parent/guardian YLO orientation at Creighton University.