Learn leadership skills at free STC program for high school juniors, seniors

South Texas College is looking for participants for its annual Learning to Lead Summer Leadership Program, which includes a series of six interactive workshops focused on cultivating the leadership abilities and communication skills of high school juniors and seniors in Hidalgo and Starr counties. The program is free to all participants and the kickoff event takes place on Thursday, July 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the college’s Pecan Campus Library located at 3201 West Pecan Blvd. in McAllen.

The college’s Department of Student Activities will lead the workshops on emotional intelligence, dealing with conflict, navigating the road to college and other engaging topics. The workshops promise to be highly interactive, allowing participants to put into practice lessons and theories learned.

“Our purpose is to aid in the development of future leaders and to encourage them to tackle the challenges they will face in the future,” said Armando Ponce, STC coordinator of student activities. “We want to assist participants in becoming more effective communicators, as well as to understand the importance of setting and achieving goals. It’s a tremendous program that’s both fun and enlightening.”

There will be a graduation ceremony on July 28, 2011. All workshops and the graduation event will be held at the South Texas College Pecan Campus. A community service project is also incorporated into the leadership program and will take place at the War Memorial in McAllen. Program participants will receive snacks and drinks at each workshop, as well as a free gift at graduation.

There are no prerequisites for participation other than being a high school junior or senior. For more information call 956-872-3535.

Pictured: 2010 participants enjoy an interactive challenge called the “Human Knot,” it is part of learning to communicate with a team.