The Jefferson Awards Foundation, America’s most prestigious and longest standing organization dedicated to activating and celebrating public service hosted the 9th annual Students In Action Leadership Conference on October 3 at the Brevard Public Schools District Office.
This year’s Leadership Conference was designed and facilitated by students from the UCF’s LEAD Scholars Academy led by Amelia Gallo. The Lead Scholars Academy is a selective, two year academic leadership development program for students committed to academic excellence and making a difference in the world around them. The scholars make a difference in the UCF and Central Florida community with thousands of hours of community service each year.
The goal of the Students in Action Leadership Conference was to challenge the high school student leaders and develop leadership, communication and problem solving skills while building cross-cultural bonds and preparing them for active, contributing roles in their communities.
Students participated in a series of workshops aimed to assist them in leading an action oriented volunteer service culture in their school while sharpening their leadership skills. The workshops centered on collaboration, innovation, effective communication, team building, problem solving and a fundraising session facilitated by the Orlando Chapter of the American Fundraising Professionals. They also participated in two service projects that benefited the Ronald McDonald House of Central Florida and the Sue M. Pridmore Center for Women & Children in Melbourne.
The event was attended by 60 high school students from the following schools: Bayside High School, Edgewood Junior Senior High School, Leesburg High School, Melbourne High School, Mt. Dora High School, Southlake High School and Viera High School.
The Jefferson Awards Foundation is the country’s longest standing and most prestigious organization dedicated to activating and celebrating public service. Through its programs, JAF trains and empowers individuals to serve and lead in their communities, amplifying their impact through the organizations vast network of media partners, mentors and volunteers.
Students In Action is an intensive leadership training program for middle and high school students designed to build leadership, promote engagement and measure impact. They train core leadership skills, help develop personal service passions and provide the tools for effective, measured and collective service impact. The program is currently operating in over 350 high schools in 10 communities across the country.
To learn more about the Jefferson Awards Foundation and Students In Action visit: JeffersonAwards.org.