The Leon Thompson Youth Leadership Oshkosh Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Leon Thompson by empowering the next generation of leaders. Leon “T” Thompson was a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, community engagement, and lifelong learning. As a long-time teacher for the Oshkosh Area School District, Leon was a founder and advisor to the original Youth Leadership program that formed the basis of the Youth Leadership Oshkosh program now existing today.
This scholarship reflects his belief that leadership is not about titles, but about action, integrity, and service to others. By investing in young leaders, the Leon Thompson Youth Leadership Scholarship helps students discover their potential, build meaningful connections, and inspire positive change in their schools and communities.
By investing in young leaders, the Leon Thompson Youth Leadership Scholarship honors students who lead with heart, collaborate with others, and take initiative without waiting to be asked. It celebrates those who may not have the highest grades—and are sometimes overlooked—but who embody character, compassion, and a drive to make a difference. Leon had a gift for recognizing potential in others—often before they saw it in themselves. He believed that sometimes, all it takes is a small nudge or the right opportunity to help someone realize they’re capable of more than they imagined.
Each year, this scholarship provides financial support to high school student(s) in our community to attend leadership development programs such as, but not limited to:
- Leadership Camps that foster confidence, communication, and collaboration.
- The Leadership Oshkosh Youth Program, which connects students with local leaders and real-world civic experiences.
- Other Youth Leadership opportunities.
The number of scholarships, the amount provided for each scholarship, and the selection of recipients will be determined as directed and determined by a committee with representation from Leon’s family, if possible, as well as the Oshkosh Chamber. Funds for the scholarship will be maintained in a segregated fund under the title Leon Thompson Youth Leadership Scholarship Fund with the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce Foundation, or as otherwise directed by the Oshkosh Chamber.
