20 Under 40 Application Deadline

Opelika’s 20 Under 40 program is made up of 20 outstanding people under the age of 40 who live in Opelika, love Opelika, and have a vested interest in shaping the direction of this city’s future. The purpose of the program is to bring together young professionals from diverse professions and backgrounds on a regular basis to learn about the various aspects of the intricate workings of a city, school system, business, industry, and public service to give them a better understanding of how all of these separate entities come together to create a working, viable community.  

The 20 Under 40 Program is dedicated to developing leaders by providing these opportunities: 

• Learning about Opelika through community and government affairs leadership courses 
• Giving back to the community through a class service project for a local non-profit organization 
• Developing professionally through training and skill-based learning initiatives 
• Engaging and connecting with each other as well as forging relationships with local business and organization leaders 

Our intention is to help create amazing future leaders for our community, and there is even a direct feed to city boards from this group. So many 20 under 40 graduates become movers & shapers in Opelika. Some graduates include Alabama Representative Jeremy Gray, City Councilman Todd Rauch, Rosanna McGinnis with the Opelika Library, and even our very own President Ali Rauch! 

To apply, applicants MUST complete the application and provide two letters of reference about why you would be a good class member. The application and two letters of reference can be e-mailed to Mackenzie Poole at mackenzie@opelikachamber.com or turned in at the Opelika Chamber at 601 Avenue A, Opelika, Alabama. Deadline for applications is Friday, April 29, 2022! 

Application HERE