Fifty students serving on the Rome City Schools Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council will participate in a dynamic, new leadership development opportunity through a partnership with the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development.
The students will participate in the Youth Leadership in Action (YLIA) program, a research-based leadership curriculum developed by the Fanning Institute. YLIA is aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence and focuses on developing key leadership skills such as:
· Communication
· Team building
· Goal setting
· Problem solving
· Community engagement
“Our goal is to empower students with the tools they need to be confident leaders not only in their schools, but also in their communities,” shares Beverly E. Johnson, Ed.D., director of the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development.
The J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, a unit of UGA’s Office of Public Service and Outreach, provides leadership development training and programming across Georgia and beyond. With an emphasis on youth, community, and nonprofit leadership, and conflict resolution and dialogue, the Institute’s work fosters individual growth and community impact.
The Superintendent’s Youth Advisory Council comprises student representatives from Rome Middle and Rome High School, serving as a voice for their peers and collaborating directly with district leadership on school improvement initiatives.
Through the YLIA program, these students will deepen their leadership competencies, strengthen their collaboration skills, and gain experience in civic engagement. Throughout the school year, students will participate in workshops and experiential learning sessions designed to enhance their understanding of leadership and boost their confidence in leading. The curriculum is structured to be relevant to students today, while preparing them for future academic, civic, and professional success.
“Student voice matters. This partnership with UGA and the Fanning Institute helps elevate our commitment to developing thoughtful, compassionate student leaders who can positively influence their schools and communities,” Rome City Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland says. “This is another great learning and growing opportunity that we are able to provide for our Youth Advisory Council members, and we’re excited for this great opportunity.”
Last school year, Youth Advisory Council members not only had the opportunity to work on school issues but also met with Rome City Commissioners to talk and learn about city issues and visited the state capital to learn about issues affecting Georgia. Adding the Youth Leadership in Action program is another way of helping develop these students into future leaders.
For more information about the Youth Leadership in Action program or the Fanning Institute, please visit www.fanning.uga.edu.
For more information about the Superintendent’s Youth Advisory Council, please contact Jim Alred, Rome City Schools Director of Communications, at james.alred@rcs.rome.ga.us.