LPS Annual Enrichment Fund

Leadership Initiative

Our goal is to produce graduates who are self-directed and effectively lead their communities towards positive change and growth. LPS' unique Leadership Program instills in its students an ethos of community service and leadership, while teaching them what it means to be a participatory citizen in a democracy. Many schools provide some leadership training, either implicitly or explicitly, but only for selected students. At LPS, the leadership development program is for all students. Our leadership program has a well-defined curriculum that spans the entire four years and includes two full years of leadership coursework and two years of project-based work. It focuses on three goals: (1) readiness for college and career, (2) personal development and self-determination, and (3) community and civic leadership.

The first year focuses on students leading themselves by developing habits of personal responsibility, the second on leading within the school community, and the third year on leading in the neighborhood. The fourth year, tied closely with college applications, features a yearlong project culminating in a public presentation on how the student will make a meaningful difference in the world.

Student retreats, service learning projects, speaker series, and school-based opportunities for exercising leadership occur throughout the year. Not all LPS students are expected to be charismatic outgoing leaders. Indeed, our emphasis on collaboration plays down the solo aspects of leadership. But each student will identify and develop his or her own leadership style, and all will find ways to improve the lives of others with the skills that they have learned.

Students master a number of practical skills through our leadership program. These include facilitating a meeting, developing an action plan, resolving conflicts amicably, and communicating across different points of view and backgrounds. The program addresses many issues that have traditionally been challenges for our target student population. These include self-esteem and self-confidence, personal responsibility, integration into the broader school community, a sense of their place in this world, and the belief that they have the power to make a difference.

Leadership and learning are inseparable

John F. Kennedy
With your help, we can provide:
  • Debate coaches and transportation to debate competitions
  • Model UN programs
  • SAT prep for low income students
  • Funding for community service coordinators and transportation for community service activities
  • Funding for students to attend student leadership conferences
  • Leadership curriculum resources

Every child benefits from the Annual Enrichment Fund. Even a small gift has a big impact. You can choose which enrichment area you would like to support and start making a difference in the lives of students throughout the Bay Area today.

To make your online donation today, please click here. To find out more about the Annual Enrichment Fund, please contact Dr. Ann Reidy, Development Director, (415) 695-0669 (x216).