Leadership Programs for High School Students. LeadAmerica Programs Review.

We lived in different corners of the world and in 2001 we settled in Wisconsin, one the most beautiful states in the USA. I was a middle school student at that time and my school experience was amazing from the first day I entered the classroom. I was surprised how welcoming the students and teachers were. They were tremendously helpful and supportive and it made me feel at home from the very beginning. I became a member of the team, bonded with students and teachers which made my middle school and then high school experience very enjoyable and productive.

The process of entering a new experience is not always easy.

Now I realize that my own personality had a lot to do with this. I was open to everything new, eager to embrace the new experience, and to share my own experience with others.

Sometimes these qualities are natural, sometimes one can acquire them in a process of life. In any case we need them vitally to make our life vibrant, productive and enjoyable.

It is very helpful when a person is able to have a clear vision of what he wants, but probably it is even more important to have a drive and commitment to achieve that vision, to know how to make it happen.

Effective communication, motivation, faith in yourself are some of the qualities you need. Basically, these are qualities of leadership.

Leadership is often defined as the "process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task. In other words, “We can do it together and I’ll show you how”!

Leadership qualities can be acquired through different leadership development training programs. Youth leadership development is a whole industry to help high school students and young adults to learn how to address respect and confidence, how to inspire and motivate themselves and their peers to reach bigger heights in life.

Youth leadership programs are available for high school students all year round, but especially this is something to consider in summer. How do I know? Through my own experience.

The year was 2004. Summer came and my mother enrolled me into one of the student programs at LeadAmerica - a youth leadership conference. I was not sure what it was and was apprehensive to go. My mother told me that it was going to be one the best summers of my life. And you bet it was!

It was during this youth conference at LeadAmerica that I experienced life away from home, being surrounded by strangers who became the best of friends. I was part of a team, and I naturally took on a leadership role, learning and growing in the process. We had an almost real life business leadership development training. Through youth leadership activities we had a taste of real business world. This leadership program was a life coaching experience for me.

It is part of my personality to strive to connect with people, and before leaving my conference I made sure to network with the program director of the conference. Little did I know that within a few years, he would become the Staffing Coordinator for the company, inviting me to become part of something bigger.

During the summer of 2008 I began my work as a Team Leader for LeadAmerica's Global Business & Entrepreneurship conference. Employment with LeadAmerica youth leadership conferences is a perfect opportunity for a college student to make difference in other peoples's lives, to grow as a leader along with having fun and experiencing joy in his work.

LeadAmerica students are exposed to the values and attitudes of successful leaders. We inspire them, help them identify their potential, and instill in them a sense of responsibility and purpose.

LeadAmerica students learn to believe in themselves and in all that they can be.

Through interactive leadership workshops, students learn and practice essential skills such as teambuilding, negotiating, creative thinking and conflict resolution.

LeadAmerica students return to their schools and communities better prepared to lead, to face the challenges that lie ahead, and to achieve their goals.

At LeadAmerica, we give students tangible skills and tools to put their leadership into action.

LeadAmerica is the nation's premier youth leadership organization. Our mission is to inspire and empower young people to achieve their full potential and to instill in them a sense of purpose, integrity, self confidence and personal responsibility. With a rich history dating back over 20 years, LeadAmerica is committed to educating and empowering young leaders.

LeadAmerica gives students the opportunity to see and experience the endless possibilities available to them. Through realistic and dynamic career-based simulations, students step into the shoes of professionals. Through lectures and discussions with contemporary leaders, they learn what it takes to lead and gain insights into the field they are studying. LeadAmerica students are challenged to imagine the vast possibilities ahead.

In December 2010, I will be graduating from Marquette University with degrees in Marketing and Entrepreneurship and entering the business world. So, summer of 2010 was my last summer of "freedom" and I wanted to make the best of it I could. I knew right away I wanted to spend it with Lead America.

I decided to be a Team Leader for the Global Business and Entrepreneurship program again. I felt confident about the summer since I am a Lead America alumni myself (2004). I also worked as a Team Leader for the same program in the summer of 2008.

My summer was amazing. New people who became my friends for life, new places to see, new speakers to learn from, new businesses to explore.

I described my experiences in my blog (link is provided below) and I invite all of you to read more about how you can make a summer job profitable from all points.