Personal Leadership Program

Using 40 practical tools that develop skills and strategies of students in areas of wellbeing, resilience and leadership, the Personal Leadership Program is our most comprehensive service.

Program overview

With the support of two trained facilitators, the 60-hour program is delivered to year 10 students, one day a week, for 10 weeks over a school term. Students engage through group discussions, video, self-reflection, goal planning and personalised coaching that allows the program to be tailored to the needs and goals of each student.

By adopting program principles, young people learn the skills to make positive choices and, as a result, are more motivated in school, confident in themselves and able to tackle life’s challenges.

Delivery models include direct facilitation from Youth Opportunities, and partial and full licenses, which involve upskilling teachers or community members to deliver the program under the support and guidance of Youth Opportunities.

Watch out! This program will change your life! I was ready to quit school and become a drop out, but this program has reminded me of what’s important to me and what my future could be if I just try.

Graduate

Thank God for Youth Opportunities. Before the program, my daughter was withdrawn and unhappy. Now she has her confidence and spark back. She is a different girl!

Parent of Graduate

Topics covered

The Personal Leadership Program is grounded in psychology, and uses principles of positive psychology and cognitive therapy to help build emotional intelligence and resilience in young people.

  • Self Talk, Self Image and Self Confidence
  • Communication – positive, negative and how to be a good communicator
  • Happiness – from instant gratification to long-term happiness
  • Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone – how to get it done
  • Organisation – skills that will help get your life in order
  • Goal Planning – how to decide what you want and how to actually make it happen
  • Conflict Resolution – because life happens
  • Habits & Motivation – the good, the bad and how to make them work for you
  • Emotional Intelligence – what’s working for you, what’s not, and how to handle the not-so-great emotions
  • Success Definer – because everyone is different, but we all have a dream

53% reduction in the number of students at high risk of developing a mental health disorder

Outcomes

The measurement and analysis of our programs are as much a part of the delivery as the content itself, ensuring we have a meaningful effect on the lives of the young people.

96

%

of students report higher confidence

94

%

improved their self-esteem

85

%

have better relationships with their teachers

91

%

have better relationships with their families

95

%

have better relationships with their friends/peers

91

%

are more motivated towards school

91

%

have a clearer understanding of their future

96

%

know what to do to achieve their goals

96

%

feel they have the skills to achieve their goals

Measure of Wellbeing

EPOCH measures five identified constructs that support positive wellbeing in adolescents: engagement, perseverance, optimism, connectedness, happiness. Students displayed a statistically significant impact, particularly in the areas of happiness and optimism.

Measure of Psychological Distress

The Kessler (K10) measures general levels of distress, anxiety and depression. The questions are based on nervousness, fatigue and sadness. The 2019 K10 results show a statistically significant change in the levels of distress of students.

The Logistics

1 day per week

60 hours of training

18 students per program

2 trainers per group

Held off-campus

Graduation ceremony on completion of program

20 SACE points

2 years of post program support

Access to scholarships

The Methods

Student-led discussion

Group work

Trainer facilitation

1-1 coaching

Book work

Audio visual content

Personal reflection

Weekly challenges

The biggest thing I got out of the program was confidence. I can talk to people now without second guessing myself and feeling embarrassed.

Jack, Youth Opportunities Graduate

The kids go into this program and they come out completely changed! They come out confidence, focused and determined young people who actively contribute to the school community. Youth Opportunities is the best investment a school can make.

Trevor, former Principal

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