OKEECHOBEE — In 2026 the Okeechobee Junior Leaders Camp reached new heights with 79 new graduates completing the program.

OJLC’s graduation ceremony is a signature event that marks the culmination of weeks of learning and leadership. This ceremony gives the junior leaders the opportunity to present their Community Impact Presentations, featuring organizations that they developed with their peers. Community leaders — such as county commissioners, city council members, state representatives and local business owners — engaged with the presentations and offered meaningful, constructive insight aligning with their area of expertise.

The students weren’t the only OJLS stakeholders that grew in number. This year, Okeechobee Junior Leaders Camp had the greatest amount of sponsors that it has had in its history.

Thank you to Comcast, Florida Power & Light, Kiwanis, HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital, Miller's Central Air, Whiting Roofing, andEnfluence Marketing Studiosfor your financial support. We would also like to thank theEducation Foundation of Okeechobee, Children's Services Council of Okeechobee, andOkeechobee County School Districtfor our ongoing partnership in facilitating the program.

This OJLC initiative is a directive straight out of the Policom Economic Development Study, a strategic plan that was conducted for the community of Okeechobee in 2018. This study directly states to "introduce soft skills and leadership initiatives into our (future) workforce as early as possible."

Junior leaders embarked on in-person, on-site tours of dozens of local organizations during their time in the program. It was an opportunity for the junior leaders to learn what the professionals in their hometown do — and discover what careers excite them.

Courtesy photo

Soft skills training continues to be a workforce development trend of great importance to our businesses here in Okeechobee. The Corporation is passionate about expanding these opportunities for children of all ages so we can continue to support the talent pipeline.

The junior leaders embarked on in-person, on-site tours of dozens of local organizations during their time in the program. With themed days such as Public Safety Day, County Day, City Day, and Agribusiness Day, the junior leaders learned what the professionals in their hometown do — and what careers excite them. 

Local leaders took the junior leaders on guided walks through their organization, showcasing the tools, people and systems that allow them and their team to flourish. Many provided hands-on activities that allowed the junior leaders to immerse themselves in the job, truly imagining what it would be like to be a part of the field.

As we reflect on this remarkable summer, one thing is clear: Okeechobee Junior Leaders Camp is more than a program:it's a launching pad. Thanks to our dedicated sponsors, local professionals and the commitment of our students, OJLS continues to prepare the next generation of leaders to dream big, take initiative and make a difference.