Are you concerned that students at your school crave leadership titles but hesitate to step up when it’s time to do the work?
Do you find yourself wondering why leadership training often goes to those already demonstrating strong leadership skills, rather than to students who could grow immensely with the right education?
Let me share how one school tackled these challenges head-on using the BeBold Leadership Program.
Rethinking Leadership Training
As someone who’s spent years designing curriculum and programs for educators, my mission has always been clear: create tools that lighten the load for educators, foster relationship-centered learning, and make a tangible impact on students’ lives.
The Advisory, Team-building, Wellness, and Leadership workshops I’ve developed are forward-focused and designed to empower both educators and students. They avoid placing teachers in roles they weren’t trained for, such as mental health professionals, and instead focus on active, tech-free, relationship-building activities. These workshops have evolved into the Ripple and BeBold Advisory and Leadership Programs for Middle and High Schools.
One of the most rewarding parts of this work is hearing stories from educators about how they adapt and implement these programs to meet the unique needs of their schools. Recently, I heard one such story that stands out as a powerful example of creativity and commitment to making a change.
The Problem: Leadership Titles Over True Leadership
At this particular school, the leadership team noticed troubling trends. Students were overcommitting to leadership roles, motivated more by padding their résumés than by serving their school community. Leadership positions were often awarded to students who already exhibited strong skills, leaving others without the chance to grow into leaders.
Additionally, the school faced a cultural challenge: while students voiced a desire for more events, spirit days, and activities, they were hesitant to take initiative or follow through to make these ideas happen.
The administration decided it was time for a change.
The Solution: BeBold Leadership Training
In the spring, the school revamped its leadership election process. Traditionally, any junior or senior student could run for Student Council or other leadership positions. However, this year, they added a new requirement: completion of BeBold Leadership training.
Offered at this school during free periods, lunch, and after school, the BeBold group leadership education program features a 5-part video course with short, engaging lessons and follow-up activities. One key activity involves interviewing classmates and teachers to identify opportunities for improving school life.
To run for a leadership role, students had to complete the course.
The Results
The impact of this change was transformative. The Dean of Students and the Director of Wellness shared five key outcomes:
- Inclusivity: All students had access to leadership training, not just those already perceived as leaders.
- Commitment: Completing the course demonstrated students’ dedication before running for leadership roles.
- A New Definition of Leadership: The program instilled a “step up, step back” mindset, emphasizing that leadership is about stepping up when you have expertise or an idea, and can also look like stepping back to support the ideas of others.
- Purposeful Leadership: Students learned that leadership isn’t about titles or grand promises; it’s about working toward common goals.
- Community Connection: The interview activity grounded students’ ideas in the realities and needs of their school community, leading to thoughtful, realistic leadership platforms (and not the typical promises of Taco Bell at lunch every day!)
This approach not only reshaped the leadership culture at the school but also created a sustainable model. The BeBold Leadership training is now a yearly offering for all, and requirement for those looking to lead.
Why It Works
The program gave educators a way to engage with students on positive, forward-thinking topics, strengthening relationships in the process. It was easy to implement, fun for all involved, and set a clear tone for what it means to be a leader.
BeBold is designed to address these very challenges—providing all students with opportunities to grow, learn, and lead in ways that positively impact their communities.
Are you ready to empower your students and redefine leadership at your school?
Learn more about BeBold (HS) and Ripple (MS) Leadership Programs today.
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