The Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit (PALS) at the University of Central Florida offers an enriching and comprehensive experience tailored to high school students who are eager to advance their leadership skills and prepare for future career challenges. Set in an immersive collegiate environment, PALS emphasizes real-world applications of leadership principles and communication skills through a diverse range of workshops. Students participate in workshops led by university professors that are tailored after their courses, including “Communication Skills for College”, “Crafting Your Leadership Identity,” “Implicit Bias,” and “Advocacy and Social Movements,” which encourage critical thinking and personal growth. Workshops such as “Financial Aid for College,” “Resume Writing and Interview Tips,” and “Gender and Orientation” prepare students for both college and diverse workplace environments. The program also addresses key personal development topics, including “Mental Health,” “Mindfulness and Meditation,” and “Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships,” ensuring a well-rounded approach to the students’ emotional and interpersonal growth. See the full schedule of workshops here.

At PALS UCF, you will gain a robust set of skills and insights designed to prepare you for both academic and career success. Here’s what you can expect:

Program Highlights for PALS at UCF:

• Peer Leadership
• On-Campus Living Experience
• Interactive College Simulation
• Mentorship by College Students
• Diverse and Inclusive Environment
• Workshops on Career Exploration and Interpersonal Skills

Focus Areas:

• Leadership and Social-Emotional Learning:  Develop your leadership abilities with a focus on self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making through targeted social-emotional learning (SEL) practices.
• Communication and Emotional Intelligence:  Boost your interpersonal skills and deepen your emotional understanding through active listening, public speaking, and conflict resolution exercises.
• Career Exploration and Readiness:  Participate in interactive workshops and panel discussions that help you explore various career paths and understand the professional skills you’ll need for the future
• College Preparedness:  Spend a day tailored to college and career readiness, interacting with college advisors, learning about financial aid options like FAFSA, and gaining insights from current college students on navigating college life.
• Life and Social Skills: Develop essential life and social skills through interactive sessions that enhance your ability to manage interpersonal relationships and practice self-care.
• Interpersonal Development:  Learn to build strong, empathetic relationships that are essential for effective collaboration and conflict resolution.
• Personal and Professional Growth:  Navigate through career planning and personal development with sessions on financial literacy, resume building, and mastering interview techniques.
• Well-being and Mental Health:  Engage in discussions and activities that address vital aspects of mental health, offering strategies to manage depression, anxiety, and stress, complemented by mindfulness practices.
• Social Responsibility and Advocacy:  Get involved in conversations about social issues, understand diverse perspectives, and learn how to be an effective advocate and ally in today’s world.

Networking and Social Activities:

• Hands-on Activities: Participate in engaging and educational activities such as art therapy, outdoor team-building exercises, and vision board creation.
• Social Events: Enjoy evenings filled with karaoke, movie nights, ice cream socials, and a themed prom.
• Creative Workshops: Engage in workshops on public speaking, empathy mapping, and mental health and wellness, enhancing personal growth and community connections.

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, highlighting your dedication to service.
• 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:

• 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 not only fosters community engagement but also promotes the joy of learning through art.