Garfield Heights Students Join First Ring Student Leadership Institute for Collaborative Leadership Training
On October 15, Mrs. Crewdson and Mr. Wilson guided a group of students from Garfield Heights through their first meeting as part of the First Ring Student Leadership Institute (FRSLI). This inaugural session focused on teaching students how to work together, identify issues within their school and community, and develop solutions through collaborative problem-solving.
The session began with students being asked several thought-provoking questions designed to encourage reflection on concerns they face, both within their school environment and the broader community. They were instructed to write their responses on Post-it notes, which they later placed on posters. These posters were then hung on the walls, creating a visual display of the students' concerns and ideas.
To deepen the learning experience, a few Garfield Heights students remained behind to answer questions about their responses while the rest of the group explored the room, reviewing posters created by students from other schools. This activity sparked conversations about shared challenges and potential solutions, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among the participants.
The First Ring Student Leadership Institute (FRSLI) is designed to inspire and empower high school sophomores and juniors by helping them recognize and address critical issues in their schools and communities. Grounded in the principles of social justice and Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), the program encourages students to take an active role in driving change by collaborating with peers and adults.
Throughout the year, participants attend eight all-day sessions where they engage in hands-on activities, share their perspectives, and work together to find solutions. During their sophomore year, students identify and research a specific issue in their school, presenting their findings and recommendations to school leaders at the final meeting. Juniors who return for a second year tackle state-level issues in education, taking on leadership roles within the program and guiding their peers through the process.
FRSLI participants have already made significant contributions, such as improving access to mental healthcare, enhancing school culture, and advocating for courses that teach essential adult skills. By empowering students to become change-makers in their schools and communities, FRSLI is shaping the next generation of leaders who are prepared to take on the challenges of the future.
As the Garfield Heights students embark on this leadership journey, they are gaining valuable skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and advocacy. Their participation in FRSLI is not only helping them grow as individuals but also enabling them to make a positive impact on their school and beyond.