- Description:
This project supports leadership development opportunities for middle school students through the Pipkin chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). Our goal is to cultivate student leaders who are confident, service-minded, and prepared to make a positive impact in their communities.
We plan to implement two key experiences this academic year. First, NJHS officers will attend a regional Fall Leadership Academy in Sedalia, Missouri. This day-long event provides hands-on leadership training and opportunities to collaborate with student leaders from across the state. The experience is designed to strengthen skills such as communication, decision-making, and teamwork.
Second, we aim to take our full chapter to the Missouri Association of National Honor Society State Convention. This multi-day event allows students to participate in workshops, hear from inspirational speakers, and build connections with peers who share a commitment to service and leadership. For many of our students, this will be their first time traveling overnight for an academic event—an experience that can be transformative.
This project will provide meaningful leadership development opportunities for Pipkin’s National Junior Honor Society students in grades 6–8. Through participation in the Fall Leadership Academy and the Missouri Association of National Honor Society State Convention, students will strengthen skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving while connecting with peers across the state. Funds will cover travel, lodging, registration, and chapter T-shirts to build unity and pride. By ensuring all members can participate regardless of financial need, this project promotes equity, enhances academic engagement, and prepares students to become confident leaders who positively impact their school and community.
- Need Represented: Equitable Access to Leadership Opportunities
Ensures that all NJHS members, regardless of financial background, can attend state-level leadership events and training.
Leadership Development
Builds essential skills such as communication, teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving through participation in leadership academies and conventions.
Academic Engagement and Achievement
Strengthens student motivation and responsibility, which supports maintaining strong grades (A/B average) and active participation in service projects.
Identity and Belonging
Provides chapter T-shirts that promote unity, pride, and visibility during service projects and school events, reinforcing a sense of community.
Transformative Experiences Beyond the Classroom
Many students will experience their first overnight academic trip, broadening their perspective and showing how school connects to future opportunities and purpose. - Academic Impact: This project will benefit NJHS students at Pipkin, a high-poverty, Title 1 school, by making transformative leadership experiences accessible. Our students work hard to raise funds—volunteering at concession games and events—but despite their efforts, it's not enough to cover the full cost of attending conferences and state events. These opportunities are critical for developing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that enhance classroom engagement and academic excellence. Participation builds confidence and inspires students to take ownership of their learning and their futures. This project ensures that financial limitations do not block access to experiences that connect school to purpose and elevate our entire school culture.
- Student Population: This project serves approximately 30-50 middle school students in grades 6–8 who are members of Pipkin’s National Junior Honor Society. Our school is a Title I school with a high percentage of students from low-income families, meaning many students face financial barriers to enrichment opportunities outside the classroom. At the same time, our student body reflects a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and economic backgrounds, creating a richly diverse community. This project ensures that all NJHS students—regardless of financial circumstances—can access leadership development experiences that prepare them to succeed academically and as future community leaders.
