Southwest Iowa Leadership Academy

The mission  of the Academy for the Development of Student Potential--Southwest Iowa Leadership Academy--is to bring students from seven  area middle schools  in West Pottawattamie county  together to develop leadership skills, engage in activities that foster and  build inclusive communities , demonstrate social responsibility and inspire a commitment to excellence.

Values:

• Inclusion: As stewards of social justice, we promote the free exchange of ideas, identities and perspectives that foster collective understanding.
• Development: We cultivate opportunities that promote personal growth through activities and mentorship.
• Integrity: We lead authentically and in congruence with ethical and professional standards upholding transparency and responding to the needs of students.
• Civic Engagement: We cultivate opportunities for student to engage in their communities through service learning and serve as school ambassadors
• Excellence:  We give of ourselves in a way that exceeds our own expectations.
• Empowerment: valuing student members and giving them the information and the tools they need to plan and achieve results. 

Leadership Goals and Outcomes

Self-Awareness 

Understand their leadership style and how it changes over time.

            Understand strengths, areas of growth, biases and privilege. 

Social Awareness  

• Practice strategies that promote respect and acceptance in regard to multiple perspectives. 
• Recognize how people’s stories and experiences have shaped their identity.

Self-Management 

• Develop the ability to listen for understanding without the need to respond. 
• Understand and value different leadership styles and their effectiveness in different settings. 

Social Management 

• Identify and understand group processes and dynamics, especially in regard to 
• the diversity of the group. '
• Learn and practice techniques for building and strengthening relationships. 
• Engage in constructive conversations while valuing the dignity of all participants. 
• Learn techniques and skills to advocate for self and others. 

Practice shared responsibility and accountability. 

• Initiate, generate, and evaluate goals. 
• Believe, identify, and utilize the value of one’s experiences, talents, skills, and interests as assets and resources. 

Social Engagement 

• Increase the opportunities, resources and support for all students to lead in their communities. 
• Develop a system where multiple perspectives are sought and utilized to make decisions for the community. 
• Utilize project planning strategies for organizing school activities and events that reflect the cultures and interests of everyone on campus

To support our efforts, please click the website link below our logo.