VA Teen Leadership Lab on Civic Courage

This workshop is designed for high school students and aligns with Youth Democracy Institute’s Emerging Leaders age cohort.

Overview

The VA Teen Leadership Lab on Civic Courage is a hands-on experience for high school students to explore how Virginia youth have driven civil rights and educational equity. Through pivotal moments like Brown v. Board of Education, Barbara Johns’ student-led walkout, and the desegregation of Stratford Junior High (now Dorothy Hamm MS), students learn how young leaders use courage, collective action, and strategy to spark lasting change.

What Students Will Experience

Students will participate in a structured, engaging experience that includes:

• A guided icebreaker to build confidence and community

• Short videos and discussion exploring Virginia youth leadership through Barbara Johns, Brown v. Board of Education, and the Stratford Junior High desegregation

• Facilitated conversation connecting historical examples to students’ own lives and school experiences

  
  

Skills in Action

Students put leadership into practice through:

• A collaborative civic-decision-making challenge

• A supportive speaking activity to share real ideas for change

• Feedback centered on courage, clarity, and teamwork

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for high school students in grades 9–12, particularly Virginia students interested in leadership, history, law, and civic engagement. No prior participation in Youth Democracy Institute programs is required.

Part of the Leadership & Legacy Series

This workshop is part of Youth Democracy Institute’s Leadership & Legacy Series. Students who register for this workshop will also receive complimentary admission to our February community event on youth civic courage — more details coming soon.

Want to support access? Families and community members may choose to Sponsor a Student so more young people can participate in Youth Democracy Institute programs.