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Goal

The ELEVATE Leadership Program is designed to strengthen student-athletes’ ability to lead, communicate, and stay accountable—skills that directly translate into the classroom and across campus.

Need: Many student-athletes are placed into leadership roles on their teams or among their peers without structured training. As coaches, we often find that these student-athletes are not equipped for these leadership roles. The issues these young people face within their teams could be poor body language, conflict, or misplaced priorities, that not only affect athletics but also spill into the learning environment.

Objectives: ELEVATE provides structured leadership sessions that guide student-athletes through self-reflection, scenario-based learning, and group dialogue. The program develops confidence, composure, character, and accountability, while equipping students with strategies to manage pressure, resolve conflict, and encourage peers.

Impact on Achievement: By building these skills, students demonstrate greater self-discipline, stronger focus, and improved communication—leading to increased learning gains and proficiency. Students who see themselves as leaders are more likely to stay engaged in class, model positive behavior for peers, and apply problem-solving skills beyond sports. The result is a ripple effect: player-led leadership within their team settings, stronger classroom performance, a healthier school culture, and a more connected student body. 

 

Category

School-Wide, Grade-Level, Or Class Events/Programs - Parent Nights, Honor Roll Celebrations, EOY Events, etc. 

 

What will be done with my students

What will be done with my students?

Through the ELEVATE Leadership Program, students will participate in structured leadership sessions designed to develop confidence, composure, accountability, and character. Activities will include self-evaluations, scenario-based discussions, peer collaboration, guest speaker engagement, and guided reflection. Students will also receive leadership journals and program materials that allow them to track progress throughout the year.

Project Timeline (2025–26 school year):
August–September: Baseline leadership self-evaluations and distribution of program materials; introduction of program objectives.

September–December: Eight structured leadership sessions focusing on communication, team culture, accountability, and resilience. Guest speakers will be incorporated into sessions where appropriate.

January–April: Four to six additional leadership sessions, building on the first semester with deeper focus on conflict resolution, leading under pressure, and servant leadership. Ongoing reflections and peer feedback will track growth.

April-May: Culminating Leadership Summit, bringing together all participants to share lessons learned, celebrate growth, and set goals for continued leadership beyond athletics. This will include a keynote speaker to speak on the importance of leadership and character.

By the end of the 2025–26 school year, students will show measurable gains in leadership confidence, improved peer collaboration, and stronger personal accountability—all skills that directly support both academic success and school culture. 

 

Benefits to my students

Benefits to My Students

The ELEVATE Leadership Program directly supports student achievement by equipping student-athletes with the personal and interpersonal skills that strengthen focus, discipline, and resilience—traits that directly carry over into academic performance.

How the project supports achievement and project goals:

Students learn to manage pressure, improve composure, and build confidence, which leads to stronger classroom engagement and perseverance with challenging coursework.

Emphasis on accountability and teamwork helps students improve communication, problem-solving, and collaboration—skills tied to higher learning gains and proficiency.

By addressing behaviors such as negative body language, misuse of social media, and prioritizing individual goals over collective success, the program creates more positive learning and team environments.

Measurement and Evaluation:
Pre and Post-Evaluations: Students will complete a leadership self-evaluation at the start and conclusion of the program to measure growth in areas such as confidence, character, and composure.

Session Reflections: Students will complete short written reflections after each leadership session, documenting learning takeaways and personal growth.

Facilitator Observation: Coaches and teachers will monitor improvements in student leadership, focus, and behavior in both academic and athletic settings.

End-of-Year Leadership Summit: Students will present what they’ve learned, providing qualitative evidence of growth and achievement.

By the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year, students will demonstrate measurable growth in leadership confidence and accountability, translating into stronger academic focus, improved peer relationships, and a healthier overall school culture. 

 

Budget Narrative

The requested funds will be used to provide essential supports that elevate the student experience and ensure measurable impact from the program.

Core Curriculum Materials – $500
Student-athletes will each receive leadership journals, self-evaluations, and reflection guides. These resources are critical for tracking personal growth, capturing reflections after leadership sessions, and measuring progress through pre- and post-program evaluations. By equipping every participant with structured materials, students are able to take ownership of their leadership development in a tangible way.

Branding Materials – $750
To create visibility and pride, students will receive branded items such as shirts or lanyards that identify them as members of the leadership program. These materials allow participants to represent the program among their peers, building credibility and a sense of belonging. This recognition also motivates students to carry their leadership role beyond athletics, into the classroom and school community.

Leadership Summit – $750
At the conclusion of the school year, students will participate in a Leadership Summit that serves as a capstone experience. This event provides a platform for students to share their growth, celebrate achievements, and hear from community leaders. It also reinforces accountability by asking students to articulate how they will apply their leadership lessons moving forward. The summit creates a powerful sense of closure and momentum heading into the next school year.

By prioritizing curriculum, visibility, and a culminating event, the budget ensures that students not only learn leadership skills but also experience the pride and recognition that drive sustained growth. 

 

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