The ability to take on a leadership role can help a young college student gain new skills and experiences vital to future success.

“It helps you grow and takes you out of your comfort zone to see what you are capable of doing,” says high school junior Nayeli Cano.

Cano is one of 24 Wichita-area high school juniors who took part this spring in the Shocker Leadership Academy (SLA), sponsored by Wichita State University’s Office of Admissions.

SLA is a leadership program that aids students in building their leadership skills by learning from community leaders, as well as each other. Each year counselors from area high schools identify and nominate two student leaders for acceptance into the academy. Nominees are required to hold or have held leadership positions in their respective high schools.

After six months of monthly activities and learning opportunities, the students were honored Monday, April 27, at WSU’s Rhatigan Student Center to recognize this sixth graduating class of SLA.

Students were presented with certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the program, by SLA coordinators Elisha Swope and Leslie Bounous.

Learning opportunities

During their time with SLA, participants had the opportunity to engage in a “One Word” activity with Steve Dickie, character coach for the WSU men’s basketball team, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of Koch Arena.

They also attended a session at the Kansas Leadership Center, led by WSU professor and community leader Peter Cohen, which exposed students to an alternative way of defining leadership. Using unconventional methods of discussion and interaction, Cohen created a learning environment that was sure to leave an impression.

Students received a behind-the-scenes look into Wichita Festivals Inc., the organization responsible for coordinating the Wichita Riverfest and other events. They learned about leadership within a nonprofit organization and worked with current WSU students to plan an awareness event of their own.

Other notable events included the winter reception featuring motivational speaker Rodney Worsham and the 13th annual SAS Leadership Conference.

The Shocker Leadership Academy was started in 2009 by the Office of Admissions. Go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?3762 for more information.