Leadership isn’t limited to adults. In fact, KidWorks believes that leadership development is a lifelong process that begins when you are young. That’s why we are so enthused about the launch of the “Leader in Me” program that we integrated into our preschool through 12th grade programs in late 2019.
KidWorks is the first after school program in the nation to be selected by “Leader in Me” creator, the highly regarded Franklin Covey organization, to pilot the Leader in Me curriculum at our center.
Franklin Covey is known for their “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” approach that they describe as “a proven process of personal and interpersonal growth that can have an immediate and lasting impact,” making them the perfect partner for KidWorks.
“By deploying ‘Leader in Me,’ our students will learn about leadership and the development of good habits in order to put these skills in practice through service projects where they give back to KidWorks and the community,” says Noemi Juarez, Director of After School Programs.
Being selected to pilot the Leader in Me program in after school curriculum is a true honor since It’s typically integrated into programs only offered through public and charter schools.
KidWorks is deeply grateful to David A. Pyle, philanthropist, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of American Career College and shareholder of West Coast University for championing the Leader in Me curriculum at KidWorks. David is sponsoring the funding for all costs associated with Leader in Me (training for staff and parents as well as students, plus posters in our four centers, etc.).
“Because of David’s support, we are able to fully implement the Covey Leader in Me curriculum with all students, staff and parents,” says Lisa Gels, our Associate Director of Development. “For an organization such as ours, with young staff, this is critically important, and it is what will move us forward in our program growth and success. Plus, all our staff will benefit from the lifelong skills that they can take with them wherever their futures may lead.”
Adds Lisa, “David exemplifies the definition of a true leader. He has fully integrated this curriculum at his school campuses and it’s a true gift to have the opportunity to do the same here at KidWorks. David has encouraged volunteerism and his schools provide us with five or more volunteer interns annually. These students are all strong leaders and greatly contribute to our students’ success.”
David has been one of our most ardent supporters. He also sponsors our College Success Initiative™ (CSI), launched over two years ago. This exciting program serves students from “Pre-K to B.A.,” making an 18-year commitment to each student at KidWorks. Because of CSI, our students are on the path not only to graduate from high school—but also to enroll and graduate from college or university and go on to meaningful careers.
What’s even more exciting is how strongly Leader in Me strategically aligns with our recently announced Program Success Strategies (Personal Development, College & Career Readiness and Leadership Development.
Volunteers and staff who drop by our centers see the positive impact of the Leader in Me curriculum as each lesson is taught. For instance, students recently polished their leadership skills through practical activities such as documenting their priorities (i.e. listing what’s most important to them, including family, friends, homework, playtime and their teachers), serving as line leaders during class dismissal and helping with small tasks in the classroom.
Our youth have already put these leadership lessons into practice when they created homeless kits for the Salvation Army alongside the youth from St. Andrew’s church over Thanksgiving. Others have used their talents in photography and videography to develop their leadership skills.
Daisy Rojas, Program Leader at our Dan Donahue Center, always engages with second graders during each Leader in Me lesson. She’s already seen how effective Leader in Me has been.
Says Daisy, “our students have gained confidence with the curriculum. Some of the quieter students are now volunteering in class, reciting KidWorks’ traditions, leading prayer and other activities.”
On a recent Monday Daisy asked several dozen second graders, “How would you define a leader?”
Jeritzel M. shared her own definition: “A leader is someone who is bossy, but in a nice way.”
Ms. Daisy held back a chuckle and recognized that for all of us, learning the attributes of being a good leader is surely an ongoing process.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer