F A Q
What is LeaderSpark?
LeaderSpark changes lives. We ignite the power of youth leadership. LeaderSpark designs and builds leadership trainings customized to meet the needs of our participants. We are leadership architects.
How does LeaderSpark work?
We work with all ages, but primarily teens. It is not a cookie-cutter approach; our trainings meet the needs of our audience. With our written curriculum, interactive activities, project-based learning and facilitators who serve as mentors and role models -- participants are motivated and gain practical strategies they will use right away. Leadership is a forever skill.
What do LeaderSpark Participants learn?
Participants learn how to:
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Speak confidently in front of a group
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Participate as a team member and group leader
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Deal constructively with conflict
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Design an action plan and implement a group project they care about
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Prepare themselves for a job or college admission interview
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Gain skills to help succeed in whatever path they choose.
How is the LeaderSpark Program different from other youth leadership training?
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With our sequenced written curriculum LeaderSpark is unique in how it focuses on skill development that our participants can use when they walk out the door.
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Our focus is on the participants. Whether it’s orchestrating a group of teens to plan a community garden, teaching students the signs of bullying and how to take action, or learning to effectively interview for a job, we help youth assemble a “took box” of strategies to be successful in many environments—home, school, community, and on the job. It is not a cookie cutter approach. Starting from what participants already know and their own experiences, we facilitate but don’t direct their learning process.Our participants build leadership qualities and transform their LeaderSpark experience into effective and meaningful lifelong skills. At LeaderSpark, the power of leadership is woven into everything we do.
How do participants benefit from LeaderSpark?
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LeaderSpark is the best model for transforming youth into leaders. The training model and interactive curriculum builds practical leadership skills that youth can immediately apply in planning and carrying out group projects. These are the life skills that young people need to effectively work in groups, achieve in school, succeed in job interviews, and become informed and engaged citizens.
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Students may receive internship hours required by many school districts for high school graduation. LeaderSpark experience strengthens a college application and job interview.
How are facilitators recruited?
We recruit facilitators from many pipelines. Our facilitators often come from the organizations hosting our programs; or are past program participants, or community and business leaders. All of our facilitators are passionate about igniting the power of youth leadership and helping others learn and strengthen their leadership skills. Interested in being a facilitator or mentor? Call us (614) 442-7899
How are participants recruited?
Participants come from local schools, community-based or social service organizations, and neighborhood groups. Our curriculum-based training programs are flexible, and we often connect with participants through referrals from existing programs. School districts having “internship hour requirements” for high school graduation often refer students to LeaderSpark, so they can earn those internship hours.
Outcomes
Our program enables youth to become self-confident, compassionate and accountable; lead, plan, serve, problem solve and communicate; be successful in school and in life; and be well prepared to act as contributing students, family members, employees and citizens. LeaderSpark participants are achieving grade level advancement on time, graduating high school, moving on to college or employment and developing a sense of responsibility for themselves and their communities.
How can I get more information?\How can I offer the LeaderSpark curriculum and training in my community?
Contact the LeaderSpark office….We’d love to talk with you. Contact: Kaneeka Dalton-Paul, Program Director, Programs@LeaderSpark.org. 614-442-7899