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Heartland Community College

Teen Leadership and Service Academy

Gain leadership experience and earn service hours 

  • Whether you are just starting to gain leadership experience or are ready to take your skills to the next level, the Teen Leadership & Service Academy will foster your professionalism while you earn service hours around your busy summer schedule. A full-day workshop, led by a business training expert, will help you grow key communication, goal-setting, and teamwork skills. Put your new skills into practice with K-8th grade students as you assist Continuing Education instructors and/or take part in other service opportunities. After completing the workshop, reflection questions, and volunteer hours, you'll receive a personal reference letter documenting your service hours and training.

Kids examine a bug during a Kids@Heartland summer class

 

    • Complete the application by May 10, 2023 (original deadline extended!)
    • Obtain a personal reference and have them complete the reference form below by May 10, 2023.
    • Applications that are incomplete and/or late will not be accepted.
    • Interview invitations will be sent out May 12.
    • Virtual interviews will be hosted May 16 and May 17.
    • After acceptance into the program, student leaders will be contacted for official registration and payment in mid May.
    • Limited service opportunities are available in summer 2023 at HCC's campus. Alternative options will be discussed so we can work to serve all interested students. 

    Apply Now

    Personal Reference Form

  • TLSA participants must be between the ages of 14 and 18. 

    • Our program is open to anyone entering 9-12th grades for the 2023-2024 school year.
    • Academic performance is not a prerequisite. Sharing GPA info on the application is optional.
    • We plan to interview all candidates who submit an application and provide a non-family reference.
    • Submit application materials within timeframe provided.
    • Students begin their leadership journey through participating in virtual group interviews.
    • If accepted into the program, participants will:
      • Attend a required 1-day leadership workshop at HCC in early June. Your day will include lunch.
      • Complete service hours as agreed upon by program leader.
      • Demonstrate Student Leader competencies as outlined in TLSA Handbook and covered in orientation.
      • Perform all required classroom activities with instructor and cohort activities with program leaders. 
  • Leadership

    • Work with a small group who needs supplemental activities or additional support or time to complete a lesson.
    • Lead a part of a lesson or activity at the request or invitation of the instructor (ex. 10 minutes).
    • Help resolve a problem or conflict that a student is experiencing under the direction or guidance of the instructor.
    • Plan a last-day activity (10 minutes) to celebrate hard work and friends made.

    Service

    • Provide one-on-one support to students who need more time or additional help.
    • Ensure instructors’ materials are organized or environment is prepped or cleaned during the day (ex. Copies made or sorted, tables set up, monitors cleaned).
    • Provide feedback on student work under the direction or guidance of the instructor (ex. Peer review to writing, feedback on a project, etc.).
  • If accepted into the program, there is an $95 fee to participate. Cost includes a lunch on orientation day, leadership materials, and HCC credentials.

  • For information on financial assistance, fill out SCHOLARSHIP FORM

Call April Fornero at (309) 268-8706 for more information.