New this school year, Evanston/Leadership Academy (E/LEAD) admitted its first group of students from the Class of 2029. The four-year program is designed to help students develop leadership skills, explore their identities and prepare for life beyond high school.
The program requires students to take select courses together, including physical education, history, English and LEADvisory seminar. A foundational piece of the program, LEADvisory incorporates elements from Freshman and Sophomore Advisory Study Hall for E/LEAD students in grades 9 and 10. Its primary focus, however, is on discussions, reflective writing, leadership projects, experiential learning and field trips. Students stay with the same advisor for all four years of high school, helping to foster a tight-knit community between students and with staff.
When applying, students completed a short essay, a brief presentation on a middle school accomplishment, a 20-minute interview and provided a recommendation from a teacher or community member. Thirty-eight students were selected this year.
Superintendent Dr. Marcus Campbell came up with the idea for the program. Theresa Collins, Director of Student Academic Leadership Programs, has guided its development from the start. She approaches each step with intention.
“During the first two years, the program is about building community and offering students challenging opportunities to develop themselves as leaders,” said Collins.
A key feature of the program is that students gain access to various opportunities within ETHS and the broader Evanston community. Field trips, internships, jobs, pre-collegiate experiences and mentoring are all provided to prepare students for their future as leaders.
Collins notes that E/LEAD’s community connections provide distinctive opportunities for students. This summer, 30 E/LEAD students attended the program retreat.
“Because of our partnership with the McGaw YMCA, we were able to take our students to Camp Echo at the beginning of the summer,” said Collins. “We’re hoping to do the same next year with freshmen and sophomores.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming admissions cycle, Collins seeks to double the number of students accepted into E/LEAD. Still, she emphasizes her appreciation for the current group.
“Right now, I’m just so proud of every [E/LEAD student] for making the decision to take a chance on something new and see what happens,” said Collins.
E/LEAD Humanities History and LEADvisory teacher Matt Walsh is one of four faculty members on the E/LEAD staff. Walsh appreciates being able to stay with the same students throughout high school and see how they grow.
“The teachers are really committed, and we all love the idea,” said Walsh.
Walsh plans to connect historical examples of leadership with modern demonstrations of it; through his history classes, he aims to highlight not only prominent historical figures but also community activists. He believes E/LEAD offers an outlet to showcase leadership in different forms.
While Walsh has many goals for the program, he emphasizes on the overall growth and development of students.
“Through the program, I hope students find a better sense of self and community,” said Walsh.
One of those students is Mara Keller, freshman, who has enjoyed her time in the program so far. She says it has enabled her to learn, grow and explore new experiences.
“E/LEAD is eye-opening and really fun,” said Keller.
One of Keller’s favorite parts of the program is LEADvisory, where she gets to hear a variety of perspectives and connect with her classmates. Keller also points out that E/LEAD allows for personalized support, making her feel more recognized.
“I think that some E/LEAD classes are smaller, so our teachers have more time to focus on [every student individually],” said Keller.
Keller recommends the program to any future students who are interested.
“I want to inspire others to join because I think it’s a really impactful program.”
E/LEAD’s mission is “to educate and empower students to develop and cultivate their unique leadership identities.” As E/LEAD moves forward, Collins, Walsh and the rest of the team are exploring ways to expand the program by welcoming more students and offering additional opportunities.
