Leadership Program

Student Leadership Institute

The Isle of Chamber of Commerce in 2013 launched a leadership development program structured especially for high school students, the Student Leadership Institute. The Student Leadership Institute program is the first offered to high school students in the Hampton Roads region.

The Student Leadership Institute is offered to juniors from the following schools: Isle of Wight Academy, Nansemond Suffolk Academy, Smithfield High School, and Windsor High School, as well as home-schooled students.

The students learn about team building, utilizing resources, building self-confidence and making a difference in their communities. An ethics component is built into each class which will parallel the academic year. The program is privately funded through sponsorships to offset the bulk of its expenses, and students pay only a nominal participation fee.

Facilitators for 2024-25 are Renee Rountree - Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors, Nicole Talton - Isle of Wight Economic Development, and Jamilia Shipman - Christopher Newport University.

The Student Leadership Institute is sponsored by Smithfield Foods and the Town of Smithfield.
 

“The Student Leadership Institute taught me valuable skills; such as cooperation, understanding, and dedication that I am able to use, not only for my current leadership positions, but also for my future endeavors.” 

- Jenny Saunders

Leadership Isle of Wight