Program Overview

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The Future Leaders Institute is a year-long program that engages Bay Area high school students in a project-based learning curriculum.  Students create and implement a project in their community and learn valuable life skills in planning, organization and leadership.

At the beginning of the program, students are challenged to explore their passions and connect that passion to an issue that concerns them.  As the students work through the curriculum, they are challenged to create a project that addresses the issue.  Throughout the year, students at different schools are connected through 4 program events, and a thriving online community generates collaboration and support.

The FLI curriculum consists of a set of benchmarks and metrics that guide students through the process of creating their projects.  The benchmarks provide a structure and timeline for the students’ work, while the metrics ensure the students are accountable for their actions.  The FLI curriculum is based on the “Rigor, Relevance, Relationship” (RRR) model of learning.   The FLI RRR Framework uses research done by the International Center for Leadership in Education in conjunction with 21st century skills learning.

Rigor refers to academic rigor — learning in which students demonstrate a thorough, in-depth mastery of challenging tasks to develop cognitive skills through reflective thought, analysis, problem-solving, evaluation, or creativity.

Relevance refers to learning in which students apply core knowledge, concepts, or skills to solve real-world problems. Relevant learning is created, for example, through authentic problems or tasks, simulation, service learning, connecting concepts to current issues, and teaching others.  Relevance includes working on topics that are meaningful and connected to the student’s own life.

Relationship refers to students interacting, working and collaborating with other people or organizations.  Relationships can happen on different levels and can impact a student’s learning in profound and lasting ways.  Strong relationships with other students, teachers, organizations and adults are essential to learning and are also critical to building resilience and future success.

Major program components include:

• Team Building and Cooperative Learning Exercises
• Consultations with Adult Professionals
• Public Speaking Events
• Real-World Networking
• Hands-On Engagement in Dealing with Social Problems
• Training in Money Management, Planning and Meeting Goals
• Public Recognition and Awards