Community Leadership Program
The ARC Community Leadership Program is a multi-year progression that provides leadership opportunities, academic support, and mentoring for students throughout high school. Through an integrated literacy, leadership, and outdoor curriculum, students grow to be more deeply engaged learners, leaders, and community members. The program is currently offered at four high schools: North Tahoe, Truckee, Firebaugh, and Dos Palos.
Most students begin as Rising Community Leaders, meeting weekly for workshops in or after school. They engage in our leadership curriculum and are invited on a series of weekend outdoor experiences. The program is designed to help students develop the interpersonal skills and academic tools needed for high school success. RCLs then have the opportunity to further practice the skills they’ve gained by participating in an ARC Summer Course.
Learn more about our Summer Courses here.
Students from our local regions of Tahoe/Truckee and the Central Valley who have participated in an Immersive Summer Course are then invited to become Community Leaders. CLs are provided structured ways to bring the skills they’ve gained during the summer back to their peers, families, and communities. We offer workshops, outdoor weekend retreats, college-access support, and leadership opportunities.
There are five main components of the CL Program:
- Planning and leading an outdoor experience for peers, family, or community members
- Participating in monthly mentoring with an ARC staff or volunteer
- Writing a final speech and sharing it with a community audience
- Planning and leading a leadership day for younger students
- Completing a Wilderness First Aid training and CPR certification
Students who complete all five components graduate from the program and are awarded a $1,000 scholarship upon high school graduation.
If you are interested in participating in the Community Leadership Program, contact the ARC Program Coordinator in your area.