Juniors and sophomores from 15 area high schools are coming to campus Nov. 18 to experience a day-long leadership training program created for the first time last year by a Geneseo student that focuses on empowering tomorrow’s leaders. At least 220 student are expected to attend from high schools in Livingston, Wyoming, and Genesee counties.
“Last year was a huge success and we have double the number of students scheduled to attend this year,” said history major Brandon Gaylord ’17. He created and organized the nonprofit StandUp Leadership program through the college’s Center for Inquiry, Discovery and Development (CIDD). “We’re hoping this program helps fill a gap in leadership training that is not readily available in all area high schools.”
The students will hear presentations from some of the same leadership trainers who make presentations for Geneseo students through the award-winning GOLD Program, which provided the model for StandUp Leadership. This year’s event also will feature community members to offer unique insights into leadership such as Livingston County District Attorney Greg McCaffrey.
The program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the MacVittie College Union and will feature a team-building presentation in addition to sessions by Geneseo faculty and staff on such topics as "The Power of Introverts," "Active Listening," "Stress Management," "Public Speaking,” and “Being Happy and Successful at the Same Time.”
Between workshop sessions, area employers and college admissions and financial aid advisers will network with the students on job and college opportunities. Admissions representatives from Geneseo, Roberts Wesleyan, and Genesee Community College will be available to speak with students. Employers scheduled to attend so far are Wegmans; Noyes Health; Genesee Construction; Aldon Corp.; FTT Manufacturing; The Business Education Alliance of Livingston County; Livingston County Workforce Development Office; All Western Evergreens; Cornell Cooperative Extension of Livingston County; Partyman Catering; Livingston County Sheriff's Office; and Lattimore Physical Therapy.
Gaylord created the program last year as the Geneseo Alumni Association Ambassador in the CIDD. The center awards numerous $5,000 grants to students each year. The ambassadorships are funded by generous donors to carry out self-directed, transformational projects on campus, within the local community or around the world.