Lead SI
LEAD SI is a youth engagement strategy designed to: foster among regional young people a deep appreciation of Southern Illinois by engaging them in peer networking, and helping them to learn important leadership and community development skills; and, to expand the existing leadership base to support the future of Southern Illinois.
The LEAD SI initiative was designed to ensure a continuous supply of homegrown leaders for the future of Southern Illinois. The LEAD SI class of 2008 consisted of thirty young leaders from the John A. Logan Community College Region and Union County. Future leaders attended a three day Institute held on the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus. The future leaders were led through a full curriculum developed by university professionals focused on developing skills such as communication, problem solving, team building, and decision making. They were also presented with opportunities to network with regional leaders from the business, government, education, and healthcare sectors.
Following completion of the Institute, future leaders continue through a year-long schedule of events focused on continuing social networking, leadership development, and appreciation of southern Illinois. LEAD SI sponsored events will take participants across the region, exposing them to the beauties and challenges facing future leaders of southern Illinois.
LEAD SI has developed an expansion strategy to include all twenty counties involved in Connect SI. Each year, a new class of future leaders will be selected from those entering their junior and senior years in high school. Targeted students may display their leadership qualities through any number of activities either through school or in the community. LEAD SI is interested in a diverse population with a variety of skills, interests, talents, and backgrounds.
Please click on the Resources link to the left to learn more about the initiative, volunteer or make a donation.