How can you develop a student leadership program that lasts beyond graduation?

2 Involve your stakeholders

The second step is to involve your stakeholders in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of your student leadership program. Your stakeholders include your students, staff, parents, and community partners. How can you solicit their input, feedback, and support for your program? How can you ensure that your program meets their needs, interests, and expectations? How can you communicate and collaborate with them throughout the process? By engaging your stakeholders, you can build trust, ownership, and accountability for your program.

3 Diversify your opportunities

The third step is to diversify your opportunities for student leadership development. Your program should not be limited to a few formal roles, such as student council or class representatives. You should also provide informal and flexible opportunities for students to lead in various contexts, such as clubs, projects, events, or initiatives. How can you offer different levels, types, and styles of leadership opportunities for your students? How can you tailor them to their strengths, passions, and goals? How can you challenge them to grow and learn from their experiences? By diversifying your opportunities, you can foster a culture of leadership that values diversity, inclusion, and innovation.

4 Integrate your curriculum

The fourth step is to integrate your curriculum with your student leadership program. Your program should not be seen as an extra or optional activity, but as an integral part of your students' learning journey. How can you link your program to your academic standards, objectives, and assessments? How can you incorporate leadership skills and competencies into your subject areas and interdisciplinary themes? How can you use your program as a platform for inquiry, reflection, and action? By integrating your curriculum, you can enhance your students' relevance, engagement, and achievement.

5 Evaluate your impact

The fifth step is to evaluate your impact of your student leadership program. Your program should not be a one-time or static endeavor, but a continuous and dynamic process. How can you measure the effectiveness and outcomes of your program? How can you collect and analyze data from multiple sources and perspectives? How can you use the results to celebrate your successes and identify your areas for improvement? How can you share your findings and recommendations with your stakeholders? By evaluating your impact, you can demonstrate your accountability and commitment to improvement.

6 Sustain your momentum

The sixth and final step is to sustain your momentum of your student leadership program. Your program should not be dependent on a few individuals or resources, but on a shared vision and culture. How can you ensure the continuity and consistency of your program over time? How can you train and mentor new and emerging student leaders? How can you create and update policies and procedures that support your program? How can you secure and allocate funds and materials for your program? By sustaining your momentum, you can create a legacy of leadership that lasts beyond graduation.