Student Leadership Matters

Historically, our culture has established roles; team captains, class leaders, club presidents – but that only provides opportunities for a few.

Shouldn’t we believe that all children and teens have the potential to lead? Leadership engagement can begin in the home, in the neighborhood, in the classroom, and in community and faith organizations. It’s tempting to let others engage our children and teens in leadership opportunities, but like most important things, it starts with us.

The issue is not the children or the teens.

The most needed change is for adults to change the narrative. We expect students to excel in academics. We start peewee sports and activities for the arts at such early ages with expectations of greatness by high school graduation, college, and beyond. Yet when it comes to leadership, there is not a culture of coaching, guidance, mentorship, or often even a second thought to how our children are developing leadership skills.

Young people stand waiting to lead, waiting to mature in leadership. They just need adults to believe in them and put the time and energy into this area in the same ways we do in academics, sports, and the arts.

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