NextGen Leadership Academy @ H-B

Description

Coming Soon! Youth Democracy Institute is launching its NextGen Leadership Academy at H-B Woodlawn for students in grades 6–8. During the 2026–2027 school year, students will explore YDI’s Civic Belonging & Leadership series, designed to help young people understand what it means to belong, lead, and make a difference in their school community. Monthly, discussion-based sessions will help students build confidence, work across differences, navigate real-life challenges, and strengthen skills in communication, collaboration, consensus-building, and advocacy. Students will also identify issues they care about, develop ideas for strengthening their school community, and have opportunities to share their recommendations with H-B Woodlawn leaders. What Students Will Explore: November 4 — OWN IT! + OUCH! | Identity, Voice & Navigating Differences Explore how identity and personal experiences shape our perspectives, then practice what to do when those perspectives collide. Students build skills for speaking up, listening across differences, navigating conflict, and finding common ground. December 2 — CLOCK IT! | Digital Citizenship, Media & AI Explore social media, misinformation, algorithms, AI, and responsible digital communication. January 6 — TEAM UP! | Collaboration & Common Ground Learn to identify stakeholders, work across differences, build consensus, and bring people together. February 3 — DO SOMETHING! | Civic Action Identify a school or community issue and begin investigating how students can make a difference. March 3 — LISTEN & DEVELOP | Solutions Gather perspectives, consider different viewpoints, and develop community-informed solutions. April 7 — BUILD SUPPORT | Advocacy & Influence Learn how to communicate an idea, build support, and advocate effectively. May 5 — PRESENT & LEAD | Youth Voice in Action Present recommendations to decision-makers and put civic leadership into practice. June 3 — END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATION Celebrating growth, leadership & community