Youth Leadership Programme attracts High School leaders

Over 100 High School captains and prefects from 25 schools will take part in USQ's annual Youth Leadership Programme this Friday (23 February 2007).

The Year 12 students will travel from as far away as Cunnamulla to attend the one-day Programme, which is designed to help students understand leadership and develop skills to support them in their role as leaders.

'Throughout the course of the day we will be looking at what makes an effective leader,' Youth Leadership Programme Co-ordinator and Faculty of Education lecturer Susan Morgan said.

'Student leaders from 25 schools will be attending from across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs and a t the end of the day we want students to return to their school communities feeling empowered and better equipped to lead.'

The Programme will include an address from keynote speaker, Mark Hands, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the new Australian Technical College, located at the Gold Coast.

Ms Morgan said an interactive forum will follow the keynote address.

'USQ's very own Robert Ketton will present a seminar designed to assist Youth Leadership Programme participants to become more dynamic public speakers,' Ms Morgan said.

'Former school leaders will also be on hand to talk about their experiences in leadership, and these include 2006 Downlands School Captain, Ellie Capel; local businessman and elite sportsman, Troy Morgan and 2005 Young Queenslander of the Year, Alen O'Hran.'

Now in its third year, the initiative was organised in response to a request from High School Principals.

'Prior to this commencement of the Youth Leadership Programme in 2005 there was nothing like this locally on offer to support school leaders,' Ms Morgan said.

'The Programme has been well received by schools and School Principals have been very supportive of the concept and outcomes.'

The Youth Leadership Programme begins at 8:30am and runs until 4:30pm. Media are welcome to attend the event.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628, 0403 643 192