Returning after a one-year break, the program comes with a host of benefits and focuses on developing the leadership skills of young people who have an idea that will benefit the Wodonga community.

It provides the resources, networks, skills, knowledge and support to turn that idea into reality.

A large portion of the six-month project will be spent planning and implementing the community project.

Youth services officer Anthony Nicholson said the program would connect participants to local community and business leaders as well as provide one-on-one mentoring.

"This great initiative will provide an opportunity for participants to act in a leadership role.'

Kat Bennett participated in the last leadership program and said the experience had taught her the value of networking as well as self empowerment.

"I am quite shy and found talking to people really hard,' she said.

"The program gave me the confidence to really make the effort to get to know people, get out of my comfort zone and show me the great things that are going on in Wodonga.'

As well as her current role at Wodonga Council, Kat is now on the Board of Directors at YES Youth and Family Services and on the committee of the Albury-Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau and North East Young Profession Network.

"I would never ever have thought I had that ability to contribute in that way before the program.'

The program will start on April 30 with a three-day opening retreat to be held in Bright.

So if you are aged between 18 - 24 years of age, live, work or study in Wodonga, and have an idea that could be developed into a community project then this program could be for you.

Online application forms can also be downloaded from the website at www.wodonga.vic.gov.au

Applications close on March 19 at 5pm.