What is the INSPIRE 2024/2025 Massachusetts Youth Leadership Institute?

The INSPIRE 2024/2025 Massachusetts Youth Leadership Institute is a one-day civic engagement program for high school student leaders across Massachusetts. The event aims to educate, inspire, and equip students to advocate for social justice and create actionable plans to address key social issues in their communities.

When and where will the event take place?

The event is scheduled for January 16, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Worcester State University.

Who can participate in the Institute?

High school teams consisting of four student leaders and one teacher, who will serve as the team coach, can participate. We encourage schools to nominate students who show potential for leadership, especially those who demonstrate a passion for social change.  Schools may register up to 3 teams of 4 students and one teacher/coach.

What is the role of the teacher/team coach?

The teacher or coach will guide and support the student team throughout the event, assisting them as they develop action plans to address key social issues. They will also help facilitate the implementation of these plans within the school after the Institute.

What types of sessions and activities will be included?

The Institute will feature:

• Opening General Session: Inspirational talks from local leaders.

• Breakout Sessions: Topics include organizing for social change, coalition building, using social media for advocacy, public speaking, and more.

• Action Fair: Interaction with local and national organizations working on social justice issues.

How many students and teachers will participate in the event?

The goal is to recruit 100 teams from high schools across Massachusetts, with a total of 500 participants including both students and teachers.

What is the cost to participate in the Institute?

There is no registration fee for schools to participate in the event. However, schools will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from the event.

What is the Action Fair?

The Action Fair is a key feature of the Institute where students can interact with representatives from local and national organizations working on social issues such as environmental protection, gun violence, racial harmony, women's rights, and community schools. Students will have opportunities to network, volunteer, and gain resources to support their action plans.

How will students' action plans be implemented after the event?

Following the Institute, students will develop action plans with the guidance of their teacher/coach. Team Harmony representatives will follow-up with the school representative to monitor progress and provide support as needed.

Will there be follow-up after the event?

Yes, Team Harmony will track the progress of students' action plans from January through April 2025. Schools will be asked to submit updates on the implementation of their plans, with final results shared in May 2025.

What are the transportation and logistics for the event?

Schools will need to arrange their own transportation to Worcester State University. More detailed logistical information will be provided upon registration.

Will meals be provided during the event?

Yes, both breakfast and lunch will be provided to all participants. Students are encouraged to bring additional snacks if they feel they may need something in between meals.

Is it okay to leave the Institute before the program ends?

We strongly discourage leaving the Institute early. The event has been carefully structured to ensure that each session builds on the previous one, and important content, including key networking opportunities, will take place throughout the day. By staying for the entire program, participants will gain the full experience and have the best opportunity to develop meaningful action plans and connections. We encourage all attendees to remain until the program concludes.

What is the role of teachers/coaches during the Institute?

Teachers/coaches are integral to the success of their student teams. In addition to providing guidance and support, they are encouraged to actively participate in the program by attending breakout sessions, networking with other educators, and engaging with organizations at the Action Fair. By attending sessions alongside their students, teachers can gain valuable tools and insights to help students implement their action plans and foster ongoing civic engagement within their schools.

What should I do if a student or teacher has accessibility needs?

We are committed to making the Institute accessible to all participants. If any student or teacher has specific accessibility needs, such as mobility assistance, dietary restrictions, or other accommodations, please indicate this during the registration process or contact the event organizers in advance. We will do our best to ensure that all accommodations are provided to make the event inclusive and comfortable for everyone.

When is the deadline to register my school?

The deadline to register your school for the Institute is Tuesday, January 7, 2024. We encourage schools to register early, as spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can my school register more than one team?

Yes, schools are welcome to register up to three teams for the Institute, with each team consisting of four students and one teacher/coach. If your school is interested in sending multiple teams, please ensure they are registered as early as possible, as space is limited.