Apply Now for our 2024-2025 BHYLP Class
Applications are now closed for current sophomores to participate during their 2024-2025 junior year of high school.
Last day to submit applications: Thursday, February 29, 2024
Honoring Brent Henley
The unexpected passing of Brent D. Henley on August 8, 2021 left a huge void in our community. Brent was a close friend to many and was committed to developing our leaders. It is an understatement to say that he was invested in the growth of both businesses and individuals in our area.
To honor Brent, the Brent Henley Leadership Fund was established and serves as a vehicle through which emerging leaders in our area are developed. Your generous support of this project will ensure that Brent's memory lives on.
General contributions provide leadership class scholarships for deserving students, class materials and supplies, and classroom facility access.
The late Brent D. Henley
Founder & CEO
The Pyramid Group
To sponsor a 2023-2024 leadership class day and have an opportunity to meet and present to the students, contact the Broussard Chamber Foundation at 337-837-6001 or foundation@broussardchamber.net.
About BHYLP
Turning Interest into Action
Each year, thirty (30) Lafayette Parish high school students in their junior year are selected to attend a 9-month program (August - April) through which they will learn about arts & culture, education, local and state government, healthcare, emergency response, economic development, environmental issues, and more. After graduating, the students can continue to expand their leadership abilities by volunteering to serve as ex-officio (non-voting) on a local, participating, non-profit board during their senior year.
In addition to mentoring potential young leaders, it is hoped that BHYLP fosters a love for our community and helps the students envision a future where they can make a difference right here at home.
Applications for the 2024-2025 class are now open.
2nd Year Students
Ayla Bergeron (pictured front right) is a graduate of the inaugural 2022-2023 Brent Henley Youth Leadership Program. In her second year of BHYLP, and as a high school senior, Ayla volunteers to serve an a non-voting member of the Broussard Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Ayla is getting real-world experience in civic engagement and in serving others - a trait that will likely carry into her future career.
2023-2024 BHYLP Sponsors
Thank you to our 2023-2024 BHYLP Sponsors!
Sponsorships are now being accepted for the 2024-2025 Class. Contact Jody Soileau at 337-837-6001 or foundation@broussardchamber.net for more information or print and complete the PDF Sponsor Form below:
2024-2025 BHYLP Sponsor Form
Donate to BHYLP
Your donation will help fund scholarships for program participants, purchase class supplies, presentation materials for our volunteer instructors, as well as educational travel for the class. Donations to BHYLP are 100% tax deductible. Choose your donation amount below:
Mail or Hand-Deliver Checks to:
Broussard Chamber Foundation
Attn: BHYLP
108 Broad View Drive,
Broussard, LA 70518
Print, complete, and submit this form with payment:
BHYL Inaugural Class
The Brent Henley Youth Leadership Inaugural Class of 2022 participated in a retreat held at Vermilionville on Monday, August 8th. Here is what the participants had to say about their first day:
Thank you for organizing such an amazing retreat yesterday! It was truly an unforgettable experience that has allowed me to realize the importance of leadership in our community.
My favorite part of the retreat was definitely listening to the panelists. I was amazed at how all of them came from different backgrounds and occupations, but they all shared a desire for leadership. I loved listening to the panelists give advice and answer questions. The discussion truly made me realize that leadership is a skill that can be used throughout my entire life. I hope to one day be like the panelists at the retreat, giving my testimony to high schoolers about how leadership changed my life.
I left the retreat feeling empowered and motivated to become a future leader in Lafayette parish. I recorded everything that I learned in my journal. I plan on applying the information that I learned to my daily life, or as Mr. Lance would say, "LRA - listen, retain, apply" :)
I am so thankful that I was accepted into the Brent Henley Youth Leadership Program. I feel honored and humbled that I have been blessed with this awesome opportunity. I am extremely excited about what is to come!
I really enjoyed the leadership program opening retreat yesterday and the biggest thing that stuck to me is if you DREAM it , you CAN do it! I really appreciate the conversations we had and I'm ready to come back to learn more !!
I just want to let you know how much I enjoyed the retreat. It is truly amazing how many people are invested in making the youth of today into better leaders. I learned so much that day and can’t wait to learn much more throughout this whole experience. I am so grateful that you put in the work to make this possible for this year. I am super excited for what is to come!