Description

Young Leaders of Tomorrow was designed to help high school students develop leadership skills, service mindset, and self-awareness to better prepare themselves for the journey to college and beyond. Our unique program combines diverse elements including leadership simulations, project experience with local NGO's and social enterprises, and interaction with inspirational leaders. This summer, participants will develop leadership skills by working on projects with Grameen Foundation, Dialogue in Silence, Diamond Cab and Crossroads. Our program is led by passionate Ivy League facilitators at a 3/1 participant to facilitator ratio. This enables individualized support for participants such as a self-awareness workshop designed to aid in the college admissions process, other college-related workshops and a networking event. Beyond the program, students will have the chance to enhance their experience by taking advantage of the vibrant culture of China's most exciting international city- Hong Kong.

Highlights

Program Components

* LEADERSHIP SIMULATION: Experience different levels and types of challenges faced by most leaders in today's world, illustrated by the micro-finance sector in India or other current /global events. The microfinance simulations have been tested in our own 2011 leadership summer program with 33 high school students, and they all rated the simulations as one of their favorite learning activities. Through each simulation, students learn about tangible leadership skills (e.g. analyzing situations, making decisions with imperfect information, principled negotiations, crisis management etc) in an interactive and fun environment.

* LEADERSHIP CASE STUDIES: These case studies are designed to replicate difficult situations and decisions that high school students may face in school, at home, and in the real world. Through role playing and subsequent debrief, students learn how to handle these situations with integrity and responsibility. Case studies include standing up to peer pressure, over-committing vs standing by a commitment; humility and toughness; difficult conversations with parents etc.

* PROJECT EXPERIENCE WITH NGOs/SOCIAL ENTERPRISES: Students will learn and practice collaborative leadership (applying some of the skills learnt in class) through working on consulting projects for local NGOs. The students will first put the problem/issue in context by hearing it directly from the NGO leader, and experiencing the life of the people the NGO serves or the product it produces. Then they will have to set goals, both for this project and for themselves. Afterwards they will develop a work plan to lay out issues they need to work on and how to address them, and each persons responsibilities. They then do individual work, meeting periodically to brainstorm solutions to problems they come across and to check on progress, seeking guidance from facilitators as needed. Finally they will have to develop a proposal/recommendation to the NGO leader and ask for feedback. We encourage them to stay connected to the NGO and help with facilitating implementation of some of these projects (if their recommendation is used by NGO). Last year, we partnered with Grameen Foundation, Dialogue in Silence, Diamond Cab and Bits-to-Bloc (see last years projects.) This year we will be partnering with Grameen Foundation, Dialogue in Silence, Diamond Cab and Crossroads.

* EXPOSURE TO INSPIRATIONAL LEADERS: Hear how leaders from all walks (and ages) of life have aligned their purpose, talents, and values to their leadership, work, and life. Last year, we have invited guest speakers ranging from senior executives of corporate, NGO leaders, entrepreneurs, musician, ex-Olympic swimmer to chief police negotiator, author and pastor.

* SELF AWARENESS WORKSHOPS: A series of reflective workshop aimed to help students discover their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and aspirations. Some activities include:
- Create own Inner Leader Portfolio What kind of person do I aspire to be, so I can be true to my essential nature, successful, and make a contribution to the world?

- Discovering strengths and personality predisposition Enneagrams, multiple intelligence tests etc and sharing among students and facilitators

- Workshops targeting at common areas of development for teenagers e.g. building up confidence, communication skills, interview skills, time management etc

* OPTIONAL COLLEGE RELATED WORKSHOPS AND NETWORKING EVENT: Practical tips for college application (mock interviews, personal essays), school and life advice, sharing of experiences by current students and alumni. Social networking event to meet experienced professionals from different fields and learn about their career paths.

* GROUP AND ONE-ON-ONE COACHING DURING PROGRAM AND EMBEDDING PERIOD: Each student will receive one-on-one coaching sessions from both the Senior and Junior Facilitators during the summer program to set learning goals and discuss areas of development. The one-on-one coaching will extend for 6 months after the summer program to encourage students to stay in touch with their facilitators and to report progress on their developmental goals.

* (ADDITIONAL FEE) EXTENSION SELF-MARKETING WRITING WORKSHOP TO PACKAGE SUMMER EXPERIENCE INTO REFLECTIVE OUTPUTS FOR PERSONAL STATEMENTS/SELF ACCOUNT/COVER LETTER/RESUME: For an additional fee, students from the summer program can sign up for a 3-half day workshop aimed to guide students to reflect on their unique summer experience and to package their experience, observations, reflections, learning (including impact on self & others) into a piece of well-written output that can be used as raw material for personal statement, self account, senior essays, extended essays, or any parts of the college application. For graduating seniors, the output will be cover letter and resume for future internship application purpose. Workshop will be taught by the senior facilitators who are experienced recruiters, and can give students personal feedback on their writing based on their observation during the leadership program.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

2,379

Cost Includes:

• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

- This is inclusive of all course material, social networking event/dinner, and graduation dinner.
- Fee does not include transportation, meals and accommodation (for overseas students).
- We offer group discounts and early bird discounts.
- Program fees also include the one-on-one coaching sessions with Senior and Junior Facilitators during the embedding period (for 6 months after summer program finishes).

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

The Open Classroom's Mission Statement

Our mission is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to apply classroom learning into real world context, empowering them to make a difference in their community.