Meet OHIO’s Young Alumni Leaders
2023-2024 Cohort 2024-2025 Cohort
Fall 2025 CohortSpring 2026 Cohort
Young Alumni Leaders Program
Professional development for OHIO’s next generation of volunteer leaders.
A message from Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez on this unique program opportunity.
About Young Alumni Leaders
The Young Alumni Leaders (YAL) program is designed to empower you—an engaged and enthusiastic recent OHIO graduate—to stay connected with your alma mater and gain the skills, experiences, and relationships that will help you become a successful Bobcat volunteer leader. Throughout the program, you’ll focus on your personal and professional growth through lessons and opportunities that are relevant to your work, life, and future volunteer service.
While we will have occasional, optional volunteering opportunities during the program, our time together will be spent learning about the University landscape and how to be an exceptional volunteer leader for OHIO and beyond.
Program Benefits
- Discover OHIO: Get an inside look at OHIO’s mission, and how alumni like you support our students and communities.
- Expand Your Bobcat Network: Connect with recent grads and build lasting relationships with fellow young alums.
- Grow as a Leader: Explore and refine your personal working style while shaping your legacy as an engaged alum.
- Give Back with Purpose: Explore meaningful ways to support OHIO through your lived experiences and talents.
- Enjoy Exclusive Perks: Access special events, program swag, and connections with faculty and University leaders.
Schedule of Sessions
The Young Alumni Leaders Fall 2026 cohort will run from August through November 2026. This is a 14-week program, and all sessions are mandatory.
- Tuesday, August 11 | 5:30-7 p.m. EST | Virtual Opening Session
- Tuesday, August 18 | Noon-1 p.m. EST | Virtual
- Tuesday, September 1 | Noon-1 p.m. EST | Virtual
- Tuesday, September 15 | Noon-1 p.m. EST | Virtual
- Tuesday, September 29 | Noon-1 p.m. EST | Virtual
- Tuesday, October 13 | Noon-1 p.m. EST | Virtual
- Tuesday, October 27 | Noon-1 p.m. EST | Virtual
- Friday, November 13 | Full Day | In-person Closing Sessions in Athens, OH
Program Cost
The cost to participate in the Young Alumni Program is $50. Participants of the program will receive monthly professional development, YAL swag, and will enjoy catered meals during the in-person event. Payment is due upon acceptance into the program.
Requirements and Additional Information
- The Young Alumni Leaders program is open to Ohio University alumni up to 35 years of age.
- Approximately 30 alumni will be selected to join the Fall 2026 cohort.
- Participants must attend all sessions, both in-person and virtual.
- The 14-week program time commitment is approx. 20 hours with additional time for connection with cohort members and students outside of the scheduled sessions.
How to Apply
We are accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort through July 3, 2026.
Application elements include:
- Basic contact and education information
- Resume
- Three brief essay prompts:
- Please provide a brief bio (1200-character max.)
- What specifically draws you to the Young Alumni Leaders Program at this point in your life, and how do you hope it will shape your personal or professional growth? (1200-character max)
- Ohio University offers many opportunities for alumni volunteer engagement. Which areas are you most interested in, and why? (1200-character max)
Please note, our application system will not save progress if exited mid-way. Therefore, please plan to submit all pieces of the application in one sitting.
Program Testimonials
BA '11
Jasmine Butler
BA '11
Jasmine Butler
"The YAL program has been extremely enlightening. I’m grateful to have built relationships with alumni from diverse backgrounds with the common goal of enhancing the university we love. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute even more!"
BBA '22
Hayley Brown
BBA '22
Hayley Brown
“The YAL program has allowed me to re-engage with my university in a way I hadn’t imagined. While I was gaining leadership skills, I was also making an impact and expanding my network. It was so much fun to be with other Bobcats and band together to improve the university we love!”
AS '16 & BSC '21
Ciara Walker
AS '16 & BSC '21
Ciara Walker
“Being part of the Ohio University Young Alumni Leadership Program has been an incredible journey of growth, connection, and purpose. Collaborating with fellow alumni on our initiative reinforced the power of collective leadership and the impact we can make together.
I am grateful for this experience and excited to carry forward the lessons and relationships built along the way.”
AA '21 & BA '23
Seth Bowen
AA '21 & BA '23
Seth Bowen
“As a proud Ohio University Chillicothe alum, I am grateful for my time in the Young Alumni Leadership program. Connecting with passionate Bobcats and contributing to our alumni community's growth has been incredibly rewarding.
I eagerly look forward to bringing the skills and experiences I've gained back to Chillicothe and fostering a stronger sense of pride among our regional campus alumni.”
OHIO Insiders
Looking for a quick connection back to OHIO? Check out the new OHIO Insiders program. This one-day program is built for our most recent young graduates.
