Leadership Opportunities

[gertrude2017]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone had some advice for me on leadership opportunities during high school. I know West Point looks for that on your transcript. The only problem is, I'm homeschooled so I don't have access to positions in student government, school clubs, etc... I'm going to be volunteering at my church and at a dermatologist's office, but those aren't really leadership positions. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

[kinnem]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone had some advice for me on leadership opportunities during high school. I know West Point looks for that on your transcript. The only problem is, I'm homeschooled so I don't have access to positions in student government, school clubs, etc... I'm going to be volunteering at my church and at a dermatologist's office, but those aren't really leadership positions. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Leadership in church youth groups or other groups at church. Leadership positions in other community youth organizations. Team captain in any club athletic teams you may (or may not) participate in. You know what's available in your area. Where might they need some youth leaders? Or where might a youth leader create an organization to address some need or problem?

 

[GoBlue1984]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone had some advice for me on leadership opportunities during high school. I know West Point looks for that on your transcript. The only problem is, I'm homeschooled so I don't have access to positions in student government, school clubs, etc... I'm going to be volunteering at my church and at a dermatologist's office, but those aren't really leadership positions. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

First - don't underestimate volunteerism as a place to show leadership. Look for opportunities to volunteer to help lead or organize in those activities. Your church and church youth group are great places for you to step up and show "leadership," you just don't think of it as such.


As for other leadership opportunities -1) I recommend you look for a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) or Junior ROTC program to join. I don't know how far along you are in HS (graduate 2017?) but the sooner you join, the more opportunities for leadership you will have. My DS did not join CAP until the start of his Junior Year he regretted not joining sooner. He loved CAP! His main regret was that because he joined "late," he could only advance into leadership so far before graduation. Attend Encampment if possible. Join early and you may be able to get to an officer level. All of the academies recognize CAP and JROTC as part of their leadership weighting.

2) Contact your local VFW branch and inquire about attending Boys State or Girls State. This happens between your Jr and Sr years of HS. Again, BS/GS counts towards leadership.

3) You don't mention sports but you need to be active in some team sport to be most competitive. Even if home schooled you should be able to join the local HS Cross Country or Swim Teams.

Best wishes as you pursue your dream!

 

[usmawebb]

Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts are great for leadership! If there is a local troop around I would highly suggest joining. It's similar to CAP and JROTC in the fact that if you join "late" it will be difficult to get a leadership position or earn a gold Award or Eagle Scout rank. It also teaches a lot of useful skills like camping, first aid, and orienteering which will become useful in the future. It also encourages community service and volunteering, so you can kill many birds with one stone through Scouts!