by Nicoline Hansen
The Parkland College Office of Student Life recently started the Student Leadership Academy, creating an opportunity for students to improve their leadership abilities while adding important skills to their resume. The Student Leadership Academy, also called SLA, aims to provide students a chance to get involved in a variety of different campus-oriented activities as well as chance to apply for scholarships.
Building a solid resume is becoming more crucial than ever. It is easy to notice, that today, it is no longer enough to simply have certain skills or a degree. As explained on Parkland College’s website “… organizations are looking for experienced leaders that are ethical, driven, well-organized communicators with the ability to motivate, empower, and energize others.” We as students cannot ignore the fact that in today’s marketplace, it is expected to stand out and to have certain leadership qualities. The Student Leadership Academy is a great way to obtain some of those qualities while still in the college setting.
Josh Clark, Parkland’s Activities and Program Manager, who has also been a part of the development of the program, explained that students can complete the Student Leadership Academy by “… completing 12 hours of interactive workshops, attending events on and off campus, performing community service and participating in experiential learning opportunities.” One of the main goals of the SLA is to keep the individual student focused on completing the program. This means that students can tailor their experience by attending those workshops and events that will benefit them the most and help them reach future goals. Some ways to earn 12 hours are by participating in the Black Student Success Project, the Alternative Spring Break, attending Race Talk sessions or volunteering with the Garden Hills Homework Club.
The Student Leadership Academy benefits students in different ways. “The Student Leadership Academy benefits students who complete it by developing students into effective and ethical leaders in their education, career and community,” Clark said. Another benefit that comes with the completion of the program is the opportunity to receive a 50% in-district tuition waiver. This could help lessen some of the financial burden that many college students face, allow students to focus on succeeding academically and further develop their leadership skills.
“She began the program as a reserved, Student Life student worker. She ended up running and becoming elected to serve as President of Student Government.”
The first student to complete the Student Leadership Academy was Brianne Stone, who managed to complete the program in just one semester. Stone is a great example of how the program can help you develop personally, as well. Clark described that, “She [Stone] began the program as a reserved, Student Life student worker. She ended up running and becoming elected to serve as President of Student Government.” This personal development led to a huge opportunity for Stone.
When asked why students should consider joining the Student Leadership Academy, Clark answered that, “The Student Leadership Academy is beneficial because it prepares students to be a part of a global workforce, builds off the experiences of students and is tailored to the interests, goals and time availability of students.” In addition, students should consider being a part of the program because it will serve as a benefit when applying or transitioning into a four-year university or into the work force.
Events that are coming up for the Student Leadership Academy included, “Time Management and Goal Setting,” “Diversity 101,” “Women’s Career Institute” and “Event Planning.” If you are interested in attending any of these events, please check out the Student Life Calendar on Parkland’s website. If you are interested in learning more about the Student Leadership Academy, please do not hesitate to visit parkland.edu/studentlife or send an email to stulife@parkland.edu.
