Student Leadership Program

Student Leadership Institute

The Isle of Chamber of Commerce in 2013 launched a leadership development program structured especially for high school students, the Student Leadership Institute. The Student Leadership Institute program is the first offered to high school students in the Hampton Roads region.

The Student Leadership Institute is offered to juniors from the following schools: Isle of Wight Academy, Nansemond Suffolk Academy, Smithfield High School, and Windsor High School, as well as home-schooled students.

The students learn about team building, utilizing resources, building self-confidence and making a difference in their communities. An ethics component is built into each class which will parallel the academic year. The program is privately funded through sponsorships to offset the bulk of its expenses, and students pay only a nominal participation fee.

The Facilitators for 2024-25 are Marci Levine - Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Renee Rountree - Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors, Nicole Talton - Isle of Wight Economic Development, and Jamilia Shipman - Christopher Newport University.

The Student Leadership Institute is sponsored by Smithfield Foods and the Town of Smithfield.
 

'24 -'25 AGENDA

Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Opening Session: Interviewing and Dressing for Success, Public Speaking, Project Selection

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Touring the Isle 

Wednesday, November 13, 2024
The Leader in You

December 2024
No Meeting – This will be a mentor/shadow month

Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Richmond General Assembly

Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Smithfield Foods Innovation Center

Wednesday, March 19, 2025
CNU – Presidential Leadership Program Exploration

Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Graduation

“The Student Leadership Institute taught me valuable skills; such as cooperation, understanding, and dedication that I am able to use, not only for my current leadership positions, but also for my future endeavors.” 

- Jenny Saunders

Leadership Isle of Wight