Steward Insights - Leading for the Future: Self, Group, and Community

The primary goal of a Steward education is to prepare students for college and for life in a community focused on academics, inspiration, engagement, and care. In a complex and ever-changing world, students today are facing multifaceted challenges as they enter adulthood. From growing political divisions to global conflict and the growth of artificial intelligence, among other issues, the world will need a new generation of leaders who are adaptable and who approach these challenges with curiosity and empathy. Leaders of tomorrow will also need to communicate and collaborate with a diverse set of individuals to find solutions and consensus. 

Here at Steward, there are many opportunities for students to be leaders through their classes, clubs, teams, and extracurricular activities. One program unique to Steward in the Richmond area is the Upper School Leadership Program, a selective endorsement program that equips students with these skills in order to be effective and impactful leaders in their communities. The program, which was started in 2021 as part of the school’s strategic plan, currently has approximately 60 students enrolled during each school year. 

Following a three-year cohort model, students in the Leadership Program delve into various topics that promote their leadership development. Inspired by The Social Change Model of Leadership Development (Higher Education Research Institute, 1996), our cohorts focus on three core areas: students’ own values and leadership skills, how they work with others, and how they can bring positive change to their larger communities. 

The first year focuses on self-reflection, during which students identify their core values, strengths, and areas for growth. Additionally, students learn about group dynamics and conflict resolution, reflecting on the dynamics they bring to group settings. The second year of the program has students look outward by implementing a group service-learning project inspired by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This process prepares them for the third year, where they complete an individual capstone aimed at creating change on an issue they care about here at Steward or in the Richmond Community. 

Through the group service projects and capstones, students do not just learn about leadership from a theoretical lens, but instead take action to implement the skills they are developing. Student projects have included planning conferences, events, and service opportunities for others. They have created informational material, websites, and social media campaigns. They have advocated to school leaders and state lawmakers for change. Through the process, they inevitably encounter obstacles. Sometimes the logistics and scheduling alter their initial ideas. Other times, outside partners change plans at the last minute. Students learn real-life lessons on how to adapt their ideas, persist when something does not go their way, and draw from a wide range of resources and perspectives to find success. Many students have continued their projects beyond the requirements of the program, showing the passion, joy, and purpose they have gained from the experience. When students leave Steward and enter college and the workforce, they are equipped to lead and confront complex and nuanced challenges with confidence and empathy. 

Through Steward’s unique approach, leadership is fundamentally about helping others and improving communities. It is a collaborative process, and one that centers our core values, integrates inclusivity, and teaches adaptability and resilience. The program embodies Steward’s core values and commitment to individuality, inspiration, care & respect, academic achievement, and civil discourse. The student leaders graduating from Steward make me optimistic about the future, and they will continue to make an impact and bring positive change to their communities.