VISIONS Leadership Program

An innovative summer commitment to community leadership, the month-long VISIONS Leadership Program provides a leadership experience for 100-200 girls in the Chattanooga community in addition to the 10-12 GPS students who serve as counselors.

 

 

For two weeks, the GPS students/counselors take a non-credit Philanthropy 101 course in which they become more aware of community needs and deepen their understanding of service. The course focuses on the history, philosophy, and structure of philanthropy and non-profit organizations in the United States. In classroom discussions and real-world learning experiences, the students realize the importance of community involvement and discover practical ways to make an impact. During the course, the students visit local agencies and learn how tax-exempt, non-profit organizations operate. Many of the site visits are to non-profits that have women as the directors of development. They also visit local foundations to hear presentations about the scope of their philanthropy.

 

 

During the second two-week period, the students are counselors to inner-city girls in the Chattanooga community. On the GPS campus, the young girls participate in dance, rock climbing, pottery, and technology, activities that focus on reliance on others, team building, trust, courage, perseverance, and self reliance. They also hear each day from a female leader in the community. Past speakers have spoken about their experience and the importance of leadership in their careers in banking, insurance, medicine, law, small business, media, and government. During this time, the counselors are role models and learn service and leadership through meeting the needs of others.

 

 

 

 

Student/counselors lead campers in activities meant to encourage leadership skills during the VISIONS Summer Program.