What is Fifteen?

The goal of Fifteen is to develop emerging leaders within Atlanta public high schools who will positively influence their families, schools, communities, and the world.

Students will participate in bi-monthly training sessions that include assessment, challenge, and support. Foundational to the three-year program is experiential development. Program participants will be exposed to environments and situations that enable them to increase their knowledge of leadership topics, interact with their peers and leadership practitioners, and apply leadership skills in real-life scenarios.

Students will also create a growth plan that acknowledges where they are currently in life and where they want to be. Fifteen mentors will guide them through a process to help them realize their future goals.

Fifteen is led by a governing council made up of influencers from Atlanta public schools. The program is run in conjunction with the public school calendar year, and includes a strategic summer component.

Structure

The program is made up of five primary elements:

• Bi-Monthly leadership training
• Community service
• Field Trips
• Mentoring
• Year End Trip

Students enter the program as sophomores and commit to participate through their senior year. Each grade level will experience:

• Sophomore Year
• Introduction to leadership theories
• Development of individualized leadership growth plans
• Discovery of strengths and personality styles
• Introduction to teamwork
• Social justice activity
• Junior Year
• Problem solving
• Leading teams
• Career assessment and development
• Service project
• Senior Year
• Application of advanced leadership topics
• Internships
• Development of life plan
• International service activity

During the summer, students will be given opportunities to volunteer with other Essential2Life programs. This hands-on experience will allow them to give back to their communities while applying and refining their new leadership skills.