by: Michelle Barnhart
Last fall, Parkland fully launched the Student Leadership Academy (SLA), a program designed to help students develop useful leadership, work, and life skills.
Before Evie Newman and Josh Clark came to Parkland a few years ago, the need for a program like this was in talks. According to Newman, employers noticed that students possessed basic job skills, but were lacking in softer skills such as communication, self-motivation, and working in teams. A program was desired to fill this gap and help students develop these equally important personal skills.
“We wanted to make sure when you left Parkland College, you were holistically developed,” said Newman, student life coordinator and conduct officer.
Ideas for the program were presented to Clark and Newman, and the process took off. Test workshops and input from college graduates helped determine what students needed and how the program should be laid out. After a soft launch during the 2018-2019 school year, SLA became a full-fledged program in 2019.
To complete the program, students must attend 12 hours of workshops, whether on-campus, off campus, or online. The workshops are diverse, addressing a wide range of needs and skills. To name a few, there have been workshops dealing with time and money management, respecting all points of view, and ethical decisions such as what you might do if you find a stray wallet on the ground. Progress is tracked through Cobra; once you attend any workshop, you are automatically enrolled in the program. The number of hours awarded depends on the workshop. Students who complete all 12 hours are eligible for Parkland scholarships. This can be done in as little as one semester.
But believe it or not, that’s not the only benefit. Newman revealed that when students complete SLA, it is included in their transcript. A Linkedn badge is also awarded which stands out to employers.
“It’s not going to help your GPA but being able to tell your employer ‘I went through this program, I have an additional set of skills to offer,’ is beneficial,” she said.
When asked for some of her favorite workshops, Newman mentioned Strength Finders, led by Dean Derrick Baker. This workshop explored how to find one’s biggest personal strengths and how to utilize and build upon them. Newman said this workshop taught her that influencing is one of her biggest strengths. This has stuck with her, as evidenced by the “influencer” paper in her office.
Newman also enjoys the etiquette luncheons, in which people are taught proper etiquette for both formal events and basic social situations.
“We just want to give you that comfort so you can conquer that event,” she said, adding that these luncheons will help people shine in conversation and not worry so much about the actual words. Newman said that she herself has felt more comfortable at events after attending.
“I love learning things and I always strive to constantly be growing. Leadership Academy gives me that”
Unsurprisingly, Student Leadership Academy has received positive feedback from staff and students alike. Newman said she loves getting to know students on a more personal level and that repeat students are common, including ones who have already completed the 12 hours.
Lindsay Cox, a Parkland student who is involved in SLA and is also a reporter at the Prospectus, said, “I love learning things and I always strive to constantly be growing. Leadership Academy gives me that.”
Jody Littleton, associate professor of speech at Parkland, has held workshops for SLA, including one very recently about communication. She said she likes how SLA, “provides students with exposure to a wide variety of excellent faculty and staff on campus who have expertise in topics relevant to leadership.” She also appreciates how it brings students together and builds connections amongst them.
“I feel that networking between students is invaluable as they go through college, begin careers, and take on leadership,” Littleton said.
Student Leadership Academy is open to all students on campus. It is here to help students discover and explore their potential, gain necessary skills for the workforce, and overall find success and satisfaction in life.
Click here to learn more.
