The Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce’s 2011-12 Youth Leadership class has raised $1,694.50 for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s construction fund this year as part of their service project.

The 26 juniors and seniors from Bradley Central, Cleveland and Walker Valley high schools and Tennessee Christian Preparatory School also volunteered “sweat equity” on two Saturdays at a new Habitat home.

“In the aftermath of the storms earlier this year, the contributions of the Youth Leadership students have been a blessing for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland,” said Matt Carlson, executive director of the local Habitat affiliate. “I am impressed by their efforts to raise funds to help build a home and then volunteer on the construction site, swinging hammers and getting their hands dirty to help a family in need.”

Carlson added, “This type of community support and involvement from the Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Leadership group makes it easy to see that Cleveland has some incredible young people who are already stepping forward to be leaders in our schools and community.”

Youth Leadership is a Workforce Development Program of the local Chamber designed to prepare young people for leadership in Cleveland and Bradley County, according to Sherry Crye, director of workforce development.

“The fundraising efforts are another way to give students an opportunity to exercise leadership skills by choosing a captain and working as a team,” Crye said.

Fundraising projects included collecting money at area ball games, selling chances for tickets to a home football game, paying to have a “free” dress-down day and hosting a bake sale.

“We are very proud of their efforts and their willingness to give back to their community,” Crye added.