Experience a comprehensive eight-day journey focusing on Leadership, Career, Social, and Life Skills Development while navigating the complexities of Mental Wellness in a Digital Era. This immersive program empowers high school students by fostering personal growth, honing leadership abilities, enhancing communication skills, and nurturing social responsibility. Through a unique blend of leadership development, career exploration, social-emotional learning, and college readiness, participants are equipped with essential tools to thrive in today’s interconnected world.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

Program Highlights for PALS at FIU:

• Peer Leadership
• Inclusive Environment
• Interactive College Simulation
• Mentorship by College Students
• Workshops on Critical Life Skills

Focus Areas:

• Leadership Development and Ethics: Explore what it means to be a leader and the ethical responsibilities that come with it. Enhance your leadership skills in workshops like “Crafting Your Leadership Identity,” “Leadership and Ethics,” and “SMART Goal Setting.”
• Digital Literacy and Social Media Awareness: Develop critical thinking about digital footprints and online behavior. Learn about the impact of social media in sessions like “The Impact of Social Media & Social Isolation” and “Media, AI, and Peer Pressure.”
• Communication and Relationship Building: Focus on building positive personal and professional relationships. Improve your communication abilities through “Assertive Communication,” “Public Speaking,” and “Professional Communication” workshops.
• Mental Wellness and Personal Empowerment: Explore the influence of digital platforms on mental well-being with sessions on managing online presence, reducing screen time, and understanding social media’s effects on self-esteem and relationships. Gain tools for self-care and resilience to navigate life’s challenges.
• College Preparedness: Prepare for college and future careers with “College 101”, “College Application & Supplemental Essays,” and “Financial Aid.” Learn practical workplace skills through “Mock Interviews” and “Time Management”.
• Life and Social Skills: Focus on developing practical life skills and social abilities through interactive sessions that cover topics from interpersonal relationships to self-care and boundary setting.
• Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility: Discuss social topics like “Human Trafficking,” “Racial Equity,” “Gender and Orientation” and “Civic Engagement and Community Development” 
• Navigating Challenges and Conflict Resolution: Learn to handle conflict constructively with “Conflict Resolution” and “Taking Accountability.” Address modern challenges like “Cancel Culture and Ghosting” and “Healthy Relationships and Teen Dating Violence.”

Awards and Acknowledgments:

• President’s Volunteer Service Award: By meeting the service hour requirements through PALS and other volunteering efforts, you’ll receive a PVSA package, which includes a presidential letter, certificate, and pin.
• PALS Graduation Ceremony: Celebrate achievement at the PALS Graduation Ceremony, where students receive a Certificate of Completion, honoring their dedication and growth throughout the summit.

Community Service Project: Earn 50 service hours

• Mark My Words: Bookmarks for Bright Futures: Participants will engage in a creative service project benefiting local elementary schools, crafting personalized bookmarks to encourage reading and literacy among elementary school students. This hands-on activity fosters community engagement and promotes the joy of learning through art.