Rethinking Youth Leadership - Beyond Student Council
A group of students passively engaged in a classroom.
When we think of youth leadership in schools, the image that often comes to mind is a student council election or the class president giving a speech. But true leadership is much broader, and every student can benefit from opportunities to lead, regardless of whether they hold a formal title.
So let’s expand our definition of youth leadership.
Leadership is about more than standing at the front of the room. It is expressed when we take initiative, collaborate with others, solve problems, and make a positive impact in our communities. In order to make sure that these opportunities are available to students beyond the “chosen few” who serve in traditional youth leadership roles, schools can - and should - take this wider view of leadership and create a range of opportunities for more students to develop these skills.
7 Ways to Foster Leadership Beyond Student Council
Problem-Based Learning Models: Project or problem-based learning allows students to evaluate potential challenges, use executive skills to determine needs and options, and consider a wide array of solution options, all of which create a sense of ownership and self-determination.
Service Learning Projects: Organize community service initiatives where students plan, execute, and reflect on projects that benefit others.
Peer Mentoring and Tutoring: Encourage students to support peers academically or socially, building confidence and empathy on both sides.
Classroom Jobs and Committees: Assign meaningful roles within the classroom, such as tech manager, materials coordinator, or wellness ambassador-to foster responsibility and teamwork.
Extracurricular Clubs: Support student-led clubs in areas like robotics, debate, art, or environmental action, where students can take on leadership roles based on their interests.
Youth-Led Research or Advocacy: Empower students to identify issues in their school or community and lead efforts to address them, such as organizing awareness campaigns or presenting solutions to school leaders.
Leadership in Sports and the Arts: Recognize captains, section leaders, and directors in athletics and performing arts as important leadership roles that build collaboration and resilience.
Intentional youth leadership programs should be designed to reach all students, not just those who are outgoing or already seen as leaders. This means:
Valuing different leadership styles, such as quiet leadership, collaborative leadership, and servant leadership
Ensuring inclusive access to all students
Prioritizing mentorship and guidance so that every student has the chance to develop their leadership potential
The Impact
When leadership is woven into the fabric of school life, students gain skills that serve them far beyond graduation - communication, critical thinking, empathy, and civic responsibility. Meanwhile, schools become more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities.
Leadership is more than a title. It is a set of skills and a mindset that every student can develop. By broadening our view of what leadership looks like, and by creating intentional, inclusive opportunities for all students to lead, we prepare young people to thrive in school, in their communities, and in life.
