Through this program, young people uncover the essence of leadership and develop essential skills. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-awareness are all tools that empower them to make a real and lasting impact in their communities and beyond. The method is ‘learning by doing’. During sessions young people are actively engaged in group activities, but time is also set aside for individual work and reflection.
Leadership Program Content
The Leadership for Life program involves 3 modules, two facilitated modules and one self-directed module. Students may travel to Maynooth, Ireland, for a cultural experience and youth conference to further develop their leadership skills. The Aisling Center offers 3 travel scholarships that students may apply for after completing Module 1. Applications will be available in Spring 2027.
Module one is offered twice a year at the Aisling Center with cohorts beginning in Spring and Fall. Module one is an introduction to the concepts of leadership and the skills necessary to be a good leader. This module focuses on communication skills, self-awareness, values and team problem-solving. Participants are also encouraged to develop personal and leadership goals for themselves. They also develop a plan for how they will work towards achieving these goals.
Some of the topics covered include:
- Definitions of leadership
- Leadership qualities
- Communication skills
- Problem solving
- Self-awareness
- Values
- Community leadership
- Philanthropy and global leadership
- Goal setting
- Presentation skills
Module two is offered once a year at the Aisling Center for students who do not attend the conference in Maynooth, Ireland. Module two builds on the learning from module one, with participants continuing to develop core leadership skills. Module two introduces planning tools using the logic model, advanced communication and personal development skills, conflict resolution, critical thinking and debating. There is also a team research project where participants work as part of a group to undertake a research project on a local, community, or global issue. Each group will research their chosen topic through a variety of methodologies. When they have gathered their research, they will deliver a group presentation on their findings.
Some of the topics covered include:
- Research methods for a team project
- Leadership styles
- Self-awareness and values
- Communication
- Conflict resolution
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Presentations
The Leadership for Life Youth Conference is a unique, week-long residential event held at Maynooth University. Open to young people aged 15 to 18, the conference brings together teens from Ireland and across the world to build leadership skills, make new friends, and explore the issues that matter most to them.
Throughout the week, participants take part in workshops focused on communication, goal setting, teamwork and critical thinking. The Aisling Center offers 3 travel scholarships each year to attend the conference, with applications opening each Spring upon successful completion of Module 1.
Click here to view a video of the 2024 Leadership for Life Conference.
Module 3 is a self-directed module where participants engage in a Community Action Project of their choice. This is a practical project to be undertaken in a voluntary capacity for a minimum of 20 hours. It presents participants with an authentic opportunity to practice the leadership skills gained throughout Modules 1 and 2.
There are 3 elements to Module 3
- Completion of minimum 20 hours of a community action project
- Completion of a reflective learning journal
- Completion of a portfolio which documents the project undertaken
Leadership for Life Accreditation
On completion of all three modules of the Leadership for Life program young people are eligible to graduate with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action, which is awarded by the National College of Ireland, Galway. This is a unique opportunity to earn a university-level qualification while you are still in High School.
Email communityoutreach@aislingcenter.org for more information.
