University of Richmond's Jepson School Partners With Jack and Jill of America on National Pilot Program for Teen Leaders

November 5, 2003

The University of Richmond's Jepson School of Leadership Studies is developing curriculum and providing mentors and instructors for the Jack and Jill Teen Leadership Institute. Richmond is a pilot location for the new national youth leadership development program.

The 11-month program began in August with 35 teens aged 15-18. They will explore such leadership skills as team building, communication, conflict resolution, values, ethics, decision making, problem solving and critical thinking. They also will study philanthropy and participate in a community-changing project. Many institute sessions will be held on Richmond's campus.

Founded in 1938, Jack and Jill is one of the nation's oldest African-American family enrichment organizations. "The ability to see and create the future is the essence of leadership," said project chair Lee Brazzell. "The Teen Leadership Institute is teaching these young people the critical thinking skills to understand trends, theories and scenarios that will enable them to picture the future and have a positive impact on metro Richmond."

Leadership studies majors study principles and theories of leadership and learn planning, working in groups and communicating vision. "This is a way for our college-age students to share what they're learning with younger people," said Sue Robinson Sain, who coordinates an annual community project for the Jepson School.

Jepson School project coordinators are Gill Robinson Hickman, professor of leadership studies, and Julee Wilson, student government president. Leadership Metro Richmond also is a partner in the project. Organizers hope that Jack and Jill will expand the program to serve other teens from diverse areas of the community in the future, said Sain.